Cessna 150 vs Cessna 152

The Cessna 150 and Cessna 152 are the two-seat trainers that taught much of the world to fly — and c150 vs c152 is one of the most common first-airplane searches there is. Both are simple, economical two-seaters with the same easy high-wing handling; the 152 is the later, slightly more capable version, with a bit more power and useful load. The 150 is the cheapest way into ownership; the 152 is the modest upgrade. Current prices and how many are listed are below.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily

Cessna 150
For sale now
136
Median asking
$53,250
Range
$32,955–$91,808
Model years available
1959–1978
Cessna 152
For sale now
59
Median asking
$70,000
Range
$45,545–$117,000
Model years available
1977–1983

Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.

Generations Breakdown

Per-generation specs — engine/weight/performance differ materially across production eras.

Per-era “For sale” counts exclude listings with unspecified year and separate variants (RG retractable, Hawk XP), so they may not sum to the total above.

Cessna 150 — 1 generations

GenerationYearsEngineMTOWCruiseRangeFor sale
172 O-320 150hp 1968–1976 O-320-E2D 2300 120 585 128

Cessna 152 — 0 generations

GenerationYearsEngineMTOWCruiseRangeFor sale

Safety Record

Absolute counts scale with fleet size — the most-produced types log more events without being less safe. Compare the % fatal.

NTSB (1982–now)Cessna 150Cessna 152
All events32412435
Serious351130
Fatal427255
Fatalities611386
% Fatal13%10%
View full Cessna 150 NTSB record →View full Cessna 152 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Cessna 150 Cessna 152
Cessna 150
View 51 listings →
Median $53,250
 Cessna 152
View 60 listings →
Median $70,000
Price Range $32,955 – $91,808 $45,545 – $117,000
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 1,800 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

Estimate

Cessna 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 150 for the lowest-cost route into flying — a forgiving two-seat trainer that's cheap to buy and run, ideal for learning, building hours and short local flights. Choose the 152 for a little more capability — a stronger engine and slightly higher useful load make it a touch more flexible, for not much more money. On safety both are among the most benign, well-documented trainers ever built; the difference is a small step in capability, not safety. The 150 is the more affordable option; the 152 is the gentle upgrade.

Pick the 150 if…

  • Budget matters — from $32,955 vs $45,545, you save ~$12,590.
  • Longer range — 420 nm vs 415 nm.

Pick the 152 if…

  • Faster cruise — 100 kts vs 97 kts.
  • Newer design — production from 1977 vs 1959.
  • More inventory — 60 listings vs 51.

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between the Cessna 150 and 152?
The 152 is the later model, with a more powerful engine and slightly higher useful load. Otherwise the two-seat cabin, high-wing handling and trainer mission are essentially the same.
Which is cheaper?
The 150 is usually the lower-cost buy, while the 152's newer airframe and stronger engine can command a little more. Both are among the most affordable airplanes to own and fly.
Are they good first airplanes?
Yes — both are classic primary trainers, simple and forgiving, with huge support networks. Either makes an economical first airplane or hour-builder.
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?
Cessna 150: from $89,000. Cessna 152: from $89,000. 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: 1,800-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