Beechcraft Sundowner vs Cessna 182
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Beechcraft Sundowner | Cessna 182 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $39,454 – $145,000 | $14,500 – $875,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 180 HP | 230 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 125 kts (232 km/h) | 140 kts (259 km/h) |
| Range | 600 nm (1,111 km) | 915 nm (1,695 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 18,100 ft (5,517 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | — | 3,100 lbs (1,406 kg) |
| Useful Load | 900 lbs (408 kg) | 1,110 lbs (503 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 92.0 gal (348 L) |
| Fuel Burn | — | 12.5 GPH (47 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $32,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $20,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $160 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateBeechcraft Sundowner
Cessna 182
Fuel$69/hr
Variable$160/hr
Annual Fixed$20,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$52,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Beechcraft Sundowner or Cessna 182?
Pick the Sundowner if…
- More seats — 6 vs 4.
- Newer design — production from 1971 vs 1956.
Pick the 182 if…
- Budget matters — from $14,500 vs $39,454, you save ~$24,954.
- Faster cruise — 140 kts vs 125 kts.
- Longer range — 915 nm vs 600 nm.
- More inventory — 516 listings vs 20.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Beechcraft Sundowner or Cessna 182?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Sundowner cruises at 125 kts with 600 nm range.
The 182 cruises at 140 kts with 915 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Beechcraft Sundowner and Cessna 182?
Sundowner engine: Lycoming IO-360-A1B6 (180 hp).
182 engine: Continental O-470-L (230 hp).
Seats: 6 vs 4.
Cruise: 125 vs 140 kts.
Range: 600 vs 915 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
182: about $160/hr variable cost.
Variable cost includes fuel, reserves and overhaul accruals. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add to the total.
Which has more seats and useful load?
Sundowner: 6 seats / 900 lb useful load.
182: 4 seats / 1,110 lb useful load.
Useful load = max gross weight minus empty weight; it determines how much fuel plus payload you can carry.
How does maintenance compare — TBO and overhaul cost?
Sundowner: 2,000-hour TBO.
182: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$32,000.
Reaching the time-between-overhaul (TBO) triggers a mandatory engine/airframe rebuild that affects resale value.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.
Prices updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data