The 152 is a better aeroplane, but the Tomahawk will make you a better pilot.
Very true.
The tomahawk was designed by piper engineers - after surveying experienced instructors to find out what they wanted in a trainer, and redisigned by piper accountants - after surveying flying school management to find out what
they wanted. Having said that, I think it's a good basic training aircraft - definately more roomy, less forgiving of inaccurate control - esp stalling, really spins (even if it does look like the tail's about to fall off), 'spin' recovery in a 152 is not unlike falling off a log (you'd think that would be a good thing)
Even with the sore backs, and crap vis - I still prefer the 152, but appreciate the merits of both.