Toppers
There are different versions of the PA28 Archer and the C172 that have different specs and different performance - e.g. PA28-180 non taper wing Archer and PA28-181 Archer 2/3.
Cessna have used three engines in the mainstream C172 (Contintental 145HP, Lycoming 160HP and derated Lycoming IO-360 160HP fuel injected in the current version) as well as the other derivatives such as the Hawk XP, the Reims Rocket and the Cutlass.
You need to compare the actual models in question to get the data, but in general terms (having flown both) my opinion is that the C172 has better field performance.
Hope this helps.