Cessna 172 vs Cessna 210
The Cessna 172 Skyhawk (four-seat fixed-gear, ~115 kt) and Cessna 210 Centurion (six-seat retractable, ~180-190 kt) are different-class aircraft — the 172 is the primary four-seater; the 210 is the high-performance six-seat retractable.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna 172 | Cessna 210 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $10,000 – $589,500 | $25,000 – $975,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 180 HP | 300 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 122 kts (226 km/h) | 164 kts (304 km/h) |
| Range | 640 nm (1,185 km) | 900 nm (1,667 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) | 17,300 ft (5,273 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,550 lbs (1,157 kg) | 3,800 lbs (1,724 kg) |
| Useful Load | 878 lbs (398 kg) | 1,310 lbs (594 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 56.0 gal (212 L) | 90.0 gal (341 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 8.6 GPH (33 L/h) | 14.5 GPH (55 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 1,500 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 210
Fuel$80/hr
Variable$175/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$57,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 172 or Cessna 210?
Bottom line: Choose the 172 for four-seat training and the simplest ownership. Step up to the 210 when you need six seats, ~65 kt more cruise and the iconic high-performance Cessna retractable.
Pick the 172 if…
- Budget matters — from $10,000 vs $25,000, you save ~$15,000.
- Lower operating cost — ~$130/hr vs $175/hr.
- More inventory — 403 listings vs 172.
Pick the 210 if…
- More seats — 6 vs 4.
- Faster cruise — 164 kts vs 122 kts.
- Longer range — 900 nm vs 640 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1960 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 210?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 172 cruises at 122 kts with 640 nm range.
The 210 cruises at 164 kts with 900 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 172: from $179,000.
Cessna 210: from $254,900.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 172 and Cessna 210?
172 engine: Continental O-300 (180 hp).
210 engine: Continental IO-470-E (300 hp).
Seats: 4 vs 6.
Cruise: 122 vs 164 kts.
Range: 640 vs 900 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
172: about $130/hr variable cost.
210: 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.
210: 6 seats / 1,310 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.
210: 1,500-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