Billy,
Flight instructors are like the rest of us, they all have their preferences. I've flown both the 150/152 and the 172 (invarious editions). I thought the 172 handled like a truck, until I flew a Piper Arrow. The 172 is heavier, carries more people (check GPBill's statement), and burns more gas.
It's a good solid plane, and flies like one! The important thing to find out, is what is your mission? Solve the mission question and that will help you find the plane.
