Cessna 172 vs Cessna 182 vs Cessna 206
The Cessna 172 Skyhawk and Cessna 182 Skylane are the two most-built four-seat trainers/ touring singles in history — same design DNA, but the 182 has 230-235 hp vs the 172's 160 hp, with constant-speed prop and dramatically more useful load (~1,100 lb vs ~650 lb).
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna 172 | Cessna 182 | Cessna 206 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $10,000 – $589,500 | $14,500 – $875,000 | $139,000 – $1,295,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | |||
| Seats | 4 | 4 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 180 HP | 230 HP | 300 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 122 kts (226 km/h) | 140 kts (259 km/h) | 142 kts (263 km/h) |
| Range | 640 nm (1,185 km) | 915 nm (1,695 km) | 840 nm (1,556 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) | 18,100 ft (5,517 m) | 15,700 ft (4,785 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,550 lbs (1,157 kg) | 3,100 lbs (1,406 kg) | 3,600 lbs (1,633 kg) |
| Useful Load | 878 lbs (398 kg) | 1,110 lbs (503 kg) | 1,400 lbs (635 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 56.0 gal (212 L) | 92.0 gal (348 L) | 92.0 gal (348 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 8.6 GPH (33 L/h) | 12.5 GPH (47 L/h) | 14.5 GPH (55 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs | 1,500 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $30,000 | $32,000 | $35,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $18,000 | $20,000 | $22,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $130 | $160 | $175 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 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
Cessna 206
Fuel$80/hr
Variable$175/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$57,000/yr
Which Should You Buy?
Bottom line: Choose the 172 for primary training, the cheapest four-seat ownership and the gentlest handling. Step up to the 182 when load-hauling, ~25 kt more cruise and short-field utility matter — the high-performance Cessna four-seater.
Pick the 172 if…
- Lowest entry price — from $10,000
- Lowest operating cost — about $130/hr
Pick the 182 if…
- Longest range — 915 nm
- Most listings for sale — 475
Pick the 206 if…
- Most seats — 6
- Fastest cruise — 142 kts
- Newest design — built from 1964
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, Cessna 182 or Cessna 206?
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.
The 206 cruises at 142 kts with 840 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