Cessna 150 vs Cessna 152
The Cessna 150 (1959-1977, 100 hp Continental O-200) and Cessna 152 (1978-1985, 110 hp Lycoming O-235) are the two definitive two-seat primary trainers — same airframe, different engines and the 152's upgraded systems.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna 150 | Cessna 152 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $25,000 – $129,900 | $38,000 – $125,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | 2 |
| Horsepower | 100 HP | 110 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 97 kts (180 km/h) | 100 kts (185 km/h) |
| Range | 420 nm (778 km) | 415 nm (769 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) | 14,700 ft (4,481 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 1,600 lbs (726 kg) | 1,670 lbs (758 kg) |
| Useful Load | 530 lbs (240 kg) | 528 lbs (240 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 26.0 gal (98 L) | 26.0 gal (98 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 6.0 GPH (23 L/h) | 6.1 GPH (23 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,400 hrs | 2,400 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $25,000 | $22,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $15,000 | $15,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $100 | $100 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 150
Fuel$33/hr
Variable$100/hr
Annual Fixed$15,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$35,000/yr
Cessna 152
Fuel$34/hr
Variable$100/hr
Annual Fixed$15,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$35,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 150 or Cessna 152?
Bottom line: Choose the 152 for the slightly more powerful Lycoming engine, refined panel and the larger active fleet still on training duty. Choose the 150 for materially lower acquisition cost and the older Continental O-200 — same fundamental aircraft, lower entry price.
Pick the 150 if…
- Budget matters — from $25,000 vs $38,000, you save ~$13,000.
- Longer range — 420 nm vs 415 nm.
- More inventory — 130 listings vs 58.
Pick the 152 if…
- Faster cruise — 100 kts vs 97 kts.
- Newer design — production from 1977 vs 1959.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Cessna 150 or Cessna 152?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 150 cruises at 97 kts with 420 nm range.
The 152 cruises at 100 kts with 415 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 Cessna 150 and Cessna 152?
150 engine: Continental O-200 (100 hp).
152 engine: Lycoming O-235 (110 hp).
Cruise: 97 vs 100 kts.
Range: 420 vs 415 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
150: about $100/hr variable cost.
152: about $100/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?
150: 2 seats / 530 lb useful load.
152: 2 seats / 528 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?
150: 2,400-hour TBO, overhaul ~$25,000.
152: 2,400-hour TBO, overhaul ~$22,000.
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