Cessna 172 vs Cessna 177
The Cessna 177 Cardinal (cantilever-wing, no strut, ~135 kt with RG variant) and Cessna 172 Skyhawk (strut-braced wing, ~115 kt) are different-design four-seaters — the Cardinal is the unique strutless Cessna; the 172 is the conventional braced classic.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna 172 | Cessna 177 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $10,000 – $589,500 | $50,600 – $199,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 180 HP | 150 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 122 kts (226 km/h) | 120 kts (222 km/h) |
| Range | 640 nm (1,185 km) | 600 nm (1,111 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) | — |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,550 lbs (1,157 kg) | 12,500 lbs (5,670 kg) |
| Useful Load | 878 lbs (398 kg) | 900 lbs (408 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 56.0 gal (212 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 8.6 GPH (33 L/h) | 9.0 GPH (34 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $30,000 | $32,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $18,000 | $18,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $130 | $150 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Reciprocating |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 172
Fuel$47/hr
Variable$130/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$44,000/yr
Cessna 177
Fuel$50/hr
Variable$150/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$48,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 172 or Cessna 177?
Bottom line: Choose the 172 for the largest support network, the most forgiving trainer and proven economics. Choose the Cardinal (especially the 177RG) for the unique cantilever-wing design, better visibility and higher cruise — accepting smaller production run and thinner support.
Pick the 172 if…
- Budget matters — from $10,000 vs $50,600, you save ~$40,600.
- Lower operating cost — ~$130/hr vs $150/hr.
- Faster cruise — 122 kts vs 120 kts.
- Longer range — 640 nm vs 600 nm.
- More inventory — 403 listings vs 66.
Pick the 177 if…
- Newer design — production from 1968 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 177?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 172 cruises at 122 kts with 640 nm range.
The 177 cruises at 120 kts with 600 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 172: from $179,000.
Cessna 177: from $109,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 172 and Cessna 177?
172 engine: Continental O-300 (180 hp).
177 engine: Lycoming O-320 (150 hp).
Cruise: 122 vs 120 kts.
Range: 640 vs 600 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
172: about $130/hr variable cost.
177: about $150/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.
177: 4 seats / 900 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.
177: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$32,000.
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