Cessna 172 vs Cessna 185
The Cessna 172 Skyhawk (160 hp, tricycle gear, fixed pitch prop, ~115 kt) and Cessna 185 Skywagon (300 hp Continental IO-520, tailwheel, constant-speed prop, ~145 kt) are very different aircraft — same Cessna design DNA but different missions.
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna 172 | Cessna 185 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $10,000 – $589,500 | $150,000 – $899,500 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 180 HP | 300 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 122 kts (226 km/h) | 145 kts (269 km/h) |
| Range | 640 nm (1,185 km) | 720 nm (1,333 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) | 17,150 ft (5,227 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,550 lbs (1,157 kg) | 3,350 lbs (1,520 kg) |
| Useful Load | 878 lbs (398 kg) | 1,440 lbs (653 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 56.0 gal (212 L) | 84.0 gal (318 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 8.6 GPH (33 L/h) | 15.5 GPH (59 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $30,000 | $35,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $18,000 | $22,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $130 | $175 |
| 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 185
Fuel$85/hr
Variable$175/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$57,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 172 or Cessna 185?
Bottom line: Choose the 172 for primary/four-seat training and gentle handling. Choose the 185 when you need backcountry/utility capability — tailwheel, big engine, large useful load — the classic bush-flying Cessna.
Pick the 172 if…
- Budget matters — from $10,000 vs $150,000, you save ~$140,000.
- Lower operating cost — ~$130/hr vs $175/hr.
- More inventory — 403 listings vs 68.
Pick the 185 if…
- More seats — 6 vs 4.
- Faster cruise — 145 kts vs 122 kts.
- Longer range — 720 nm vs 640 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1961 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 185?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 172 cruises at 122 kts with 640 nm range.
The 185 cruises at 145 kts with 720 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 172: from $179,000.
Cessna 185: from $216,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 172 and Cessna 185?
172 engine: Continental O-300 (180 hp).
185 engine: Continental IO-470-F (300 hp).
Seats: 4 vs 6.
Cruise: 122 vs 145 kts.
Range: 640 vs 720 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
172: about $130/hr variable cost.
185: about $175/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.
185: 6 seats / 1,440 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.
185: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$35,000.
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