IROC
The cruise speed on a cessna 152 is about 95 knots or 115 mph. The cessna 172 is about 100 knots or 130 mph. I'm not sure about the cherokee. I have time in a cessna 310 (my favorite airplane) Basically to fly the 310 you have to get a multi engine certificate. Most people get their single engine license first, then go for their multi, but if you really wanted to you could start off in the multi and never get your single engine license. Sounds kind of crazy, but it's been done
If I were going to buy a plane to learn to fly I would go with either the 152 or the 172. The reason I would choose those is, THINGS BREAK! Parts for the cessna are relatively easy to get and are less expensive than other manufacturers. The other thing is cessnas are built like tanks. I taught in them for 2 years and I can honestly say, they've saved my ass more than a few times!
If you have any other questions.......I'd be happy to answer them.....