I never really had a problem with visibility in the 172 with the rear window and skylights. No back window in the Archer was a little bothersome when I did the "free and correct" test and couldn't see which way, or if, the rudder was wagging. Losing sight of the runway was not a problem since it always came back where I expected it to be after I rolled out on base. I liked the big flaps on the 172 vs the Archer and the 172 just seemed more stable on final. The Archer seemed speedier in cruise. After taxiing with the door open in the Archer to get some air in the plane be SURE to secure BOTH latches. Leaving the top latch open causes some excitement on climbout.