Cessna 150 vs Cessna 172
The Cessna 150 and Cessna 172 are both beloved high-wing Cessnas, but they serve different roles. The two-seat 150 is a light, economical trainer that excels at primary instruction, while the four-seat 172 offers more power, payload, and range. This is the entry-level trainer versus all-purpose family aircraft comparison.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna 150 | Cessna 172 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $25,000 – $129,900 | $27,900 – $589,500 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 100 HP | 180 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 97 kts (180 km/h) | 122 kts (226 km/h) |
| Range | 420 nm (778 km) | 640 nm (1,185 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 1,600 lbs (726 kg) | 2,550 lbs (1,157 kg) |
| Useful Load | 530 lbs (240 kg) | 878 lbs (398 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 26.0 gal (98 L) | 56.0 gal (212 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 6.0 GPH (23 L/h) | 8.6 GPH (33 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,400 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $25,000 | $30,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $15,000 | $18,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $100 | $130 |
| 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 172
Fuel$47/hr
Variable$130/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$44,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 150 or Cessna 172?
Bottom line: Choose the 150 for the lowest running costs and an ideal first airplane; pick the 172 for two extra seats, greater useful load, and real cross-country ability. Both enjoy unmatched parts availability, so budget, mission, and condition usually decide which fits best.
Pick the 150 if…
- Budget matters — from $25,000 vs $27,900, you save ~$2,900.
- Lower operating cost — ~$100/hr vs $130/hr.
- Newer design — production from 1959 vs 1956.
Pick the 172 if…
- More seats — 4 vs 2.
- Faster cruise — 122 kts vs 97 kts.
- Longer range — 640 nm vs 420 nm.
- More inventory — 411 listings vs 131.
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 172?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 150 cruises at 97 kts with 420 nm range.
The 172 cruises at 122 kts with 640 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 172: from $179,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 150 and Cessna 172?
150 engine: Continental O-200 (100 hp).
172 engine: Continental O-300 (180 hp).
Seats: 2 vs 4.
Cruise: 97 vs 122 kts.
Range: 420 vs 640 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
150: about $100/hr variable cost.
172: about $130/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.
172: 4 seats / 878 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.
172: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$30,000.
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