Cessna 152 vs Cessna 172 vs Cessna 182
The Cessna 152 (two-seat trainer, ~95 kt) and Cessna 172 Skyhawk (four-seat trainer/touring, ~115 kt) are different-class trainers — the 152 is primary; the 172 is the universal four-seat trainer.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna 152 | Cessna 172 | Cessna 182 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
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| Price Range | $38,000 – $125,000 | $10,000 – $589,500 | $14,500 – $875,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | |||
| Seats | 2 | 4 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 110 HP | 180 HP | 230 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 100 kts (185 km/h) | 122 kts (226 km/h) | 140 kts (259 km/h) |
| Range | 415 nm (769 km) | 640 nm (1,185 km) | 915 nm (1,695 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,700 ft (4,481 m) | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) | 18,100 ft (5,517 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 1,670 lbs (758 kg) | 2,550 lbs (1,157 kg) | 3,100 lbs (1,406 kg) |
| Useful Load | 528 lbs (240 kg) | 878 lbs (398 kg) | 1,110 lbs (503 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 26.0 gal (98 L) | 56.0 gal (212 L) | 92.0 gal (348 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 6.1 GPH (23 L/h) | 8.6 GPH (33 L/h) | 12.5 GPH (47 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,400 hrs | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $22,000 | $30,000 | $32,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $15,000 | $18,000 | $20,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $100 | $130 | $160 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 152
Fuel$34/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
Cessna 182
Fuel$69/hr
Variable$160/hr
Annual Fixed$20,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$52,000/yr
Which Should You Buy?
Bottom line: Choose the 152 for primary two-seat training at the lowest operating cost. Step up to the 172 for real four-seat training/touring capability and the largest support network in aviation.
Pick the 152 if…
- Lowest operating cost — about $100/hr
- Newest design — built from 1977
Pick the 172 if…
- Lowest entry price — from $10,000
Pick the 182 if…
- Fastest cruise — 140 kts
- Longest range — 915 nm
- Most listings for sale — 474
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 152, Cessna 172 or Cessna 182?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 152 cruises at 100 kts with 415 nm range.
The 172 cruises at 122 kts with 640 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?
Cessna 172: from $179,000.
Cessna 182: from $119,950.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
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