Mooney M20J 201 vs Piper Arrow
Head-to-head — specs, at a glance.
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iMooney M20J 201
The Mooney M20J 201 is one of the most significant aircraft in general aviation history. Introduced in 1977, it was the first production aircraft to cruise at 201 mph (175 KTAS) on a 200HP engine — hence the name "201." This achievement represented the pinnacle of aerodynamic efficiency: 168 KTAS cruise on only 10.5 GPH, a specific speed-per-horsepower that remains essentially unmatched by any other certified piston single.
- +168 KTAS on only 10.5 GPH — best-in-class efficiency for 200 HP
- +881 nm range at economy cruise; genuine cross-country performer
- +Near-Bonanza speed at Cherokee operating costs
- !Small four-seat cabin; rear seats cramped for large adults
- !Johnson bar manual landing gear requires proper rigging discipline
- !Mooney parts availability concerns due to past bankruptcy; reliant on LASAR
Piper Arrow
**The specifications on this page describe one airplane: the PA-28R-201 Arrow III, TCDS 2A13 Section XVII -- semi-tapered wing, conventional tail, normally aspirated Lycoming IO-360-C1C6, 2,750 lb.** The T-tail PA-28RT-201 Arrow IV is a different section of the same certificate with a different airspeed limit on every line, and the turbocharged PA-28R-201T is a different engine on its own page. Their figures are in the Variants table; do not read the frontmatter numbers onto them.
- +THE complex endorsement trainer—proven, docile handling for gear/prop training
- +Excellent parts availability and mechanic familiarity across the industry
- +Strong cross-country platform: 695 nm range, 138 KTAS cruise, IFR capable
- !Electro-hydraulic gear system is a chronic maintenance challenge and recurring expense
- !Automatic gear extension (AGE) system prone to failures; many operators disable it
- !Engine overhaul cost ($36k–$54k) is a major ownership consideration on high-time airframes
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