Cessna 172 vs Cessna 152
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 172 | Cessna 152 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $10,000 – $589,500 | $38,000 – $125,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 2 |
| Horsepower | 180 HP | 110 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 122 kts (226 km/h) | 100 kts (185 km/h) |
| Range | 640 nm (1,185 km) | 415 nm (769 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) | 14,700 ft (4,481 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,550 lbs (1,157 kg) | 1,670 lbs (758 kg) |
| Useful Load | 878 lbs (398 kg) | 528 lbs (240 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 56.0 gal (212 L) | 26.0 gal (98 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 8.6 GPH (33 L/h) | 6.1 GPH (23 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,400 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $30,000 | $22,000 |
| 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 152
Fuel$34/hr
Variable$100/hr
Annual Fixed$15,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$35,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 172 or Cessna 152?
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 172 if…
- Budget matters — from $10,000 vs $38,000, you save ~$28,000.
- More seats — 4 vs 2.
- Faster cruise — 122 kts vs 100 kts.
- Longer range — 640 nm vs 415 nm.
- More inventory — 403 listings vs 58.
Pick the 152 if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$100/hr vs $130/hr.
- Newer design — production from 1977 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 152?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 172 cruises at 122 kts with 640 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 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 152?
172 engine: Continental O-300 (180 hp).
152 engine: Lycoming O-235 (110 hp).
Seats: 4 vs 2.
Cruise: 122 vs 100 kts.
Range: 640 vs 415 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
172: about $130/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?
172: 4 seats / 878 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?
172: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$30,000.
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