I am now undergoing my training for PPL-A in Norway. I started flying on the Cessna 172SP (LN-AGM), but earlier this year i changed to the PA28-181 (LN-NPO).
If I must choose between a 2004 dated C172SP and a 1980 PA28-181, I take the Piper. The handling characteristics are much better in the Piper than the Cessna. The noise level are still bad in both planes, so as the comfort.
Hope it helped!
But the final choiche of wath's best, is always personal.