Cessna 172 vs Cessna 150
The Cessna 150/152 (two-seat primary trainer) and Cessna 172 Skyhawk / 182 Skylane (four- seat trainer/touring singles) are different-class aircraft — the 150 is a two-seat primary trainer; the 172/182 are real four-seat travel airplanes.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna 172 | Cessna 150 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $10,000 – $589,500 | $25,000 – $129,900 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 2 |
| Horsepower | 180 HP | 100 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 122 kts (226 km/h) | 97 kts (180 km/h) |
| Range | 640 nm (1,185 km) | 420 nm (778 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,550 lbs (1,157 kg) | 1,600 lbs (726 kg) |
| Useful Load | 878 lbs (398 kg) | 530 lbs (240 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 56.0 gal (212 L) | 26.0 gal (98 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 8.6 GPH (33 L/h) | 6.0 GPH (23 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,400 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $30,000 | $25,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $18,000 | $15,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $130 | $100 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 172
Fuel$47/hr
Variable$130/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$44,000/yr
Cessna 150
Fuel$33/hr
Variable$100/hr
Annual Fixed$15,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$35,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 172 or Cessna 150?
Bottom line: Choose the 150/152 for primary training and the cheapest two-seat fun flying. Step up to the 172 for the most forgiving four-seat trainer ever built, or the 182 when load-hauling and ~140 kt cruise matter more than entry-level training.
Pick the 172 if…
- Budget matters — from $10,000 vs $25,000, you save ~$15,000.
- More seats — 4 vs 2.
- Faster cruise — 122 kts vs 97 kts.
- Longer range — 640 nm vs 420 nm.
- More inventory — 403 listings vs 130.
Pick the 150 if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$100/hr vs $130/hr.
- Newer design — production from 1959 vs 1956.
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 172 or Cessna 150?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 172 cruises at 122 kts with 640 nm range.
The 150 cruises at 97 kts with 420 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 172 and Cessna 150?
172 engine: Continental O-300 (180 hp).
150 engine: Continental O-200 (100 hp).
Seats: 4 vs 2.
Cruise: 122 vs 97 kts.
Range: 640 vs 420 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
172: about $130/hr variable cost.
150: 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?
172: 4 seats / 878 lb useful load.
150: 2 seats / 530 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?
172: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$30,000.
150: 2,400-hour TBO, overhaul ~$25,000.
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