Cessna 172 vs Cessna 182
The Cessna 182 Skylane and Cessna 172 Skyhawk are the two best-selling high-wing singles ever built. The 182 brings a bigger engine, more payload, and a constant-speed prop for real cross-country hauling, while the lighter 172 is the gentle, economical trainer that taught generations to fly. This is the classic step-up question within the Cessna line.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna 172 | Cessna 182 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $27,900 – $589,500 | $14,500 – $875,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 180 HP | 230 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 122 kts (226 km/h) | 140 kts (259 km/h) |
| Range | 640 nm (1,185 km) | 915 nm (1,695 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) | 18,100 ft (5,517 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,550 lbs (1,157 kg) | 3,100 lbs (1,406 kg) |
| Useful Load | 878 lbs (398 kg) | 1,110 lbs (503 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 56.0 gal (212 L) | 92.0 gal (348 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 8.6 GPH (33 L/h) | 12.5 GPH (47 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $30,000 | $32,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $18,000 | $20,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $130 | $160 |
| 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 182
Fuel$69/hr
Variable$160/hr
Annual Fixed$20,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$52,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 172 or Cessna 182?
Bottom line: Choose the 182 for more power, payload, and cruise speed when you carry people and bags; pick the 172 for lower costs, docile handling, and easy ownership. Mission and budget decide it—families and travelers lean 182, while trainers and economy favor the 172.
Pick the 172 if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$130/hr vs $160/hr.
Pick the 182 if…
- Budget matters — from $14,500 vs $27,900, you save ~$13,400.
- Faster cruise — 140 kts vs 122 kts.
- Longer range — 915 nm vs 640 nm.
- More inventory — 499 listings vs 411.
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 182?
It depends on your mission and budget.
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.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 172 and Cessna 182?
172 engine: Continental O-300 (180 hp).
182 engine: Continental O-470-L (230 hp).
Cruise: 122 vs 140 kts.
Range: 640 vs 915 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
172: about $130/hr variable cost.
182: about $160/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.
182: 4 seats / 1,110 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.
182: 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