Cessna 172 vs Cessna Ttx
The Cessna 172 Skyhawk (fixed-gear, 160 hp, ~115 kt) / 182 Skylane (~140 kt) and Cessna TTx (former Columbia 400, turbocharged composite, ~235 kt, Garmin G2000) are very different — the 172/182 are aluminium training/touring; the TTx is the speed-king composite.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna 172 | Cessna Ttx |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $10,000 – $589,500 | $295,000 – $694,900 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 180 HP | 310 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 122 kts (226 km/h) | 235 kts (435 km/h) |
| Range | 640 nm (1,185 km) | 1,250 nm (2,315 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) | 25,000 ft (7,620 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,550 lbs (1,157 kg) | 3,600 lbs (1,633 kg) |
| Useful Load | 878 lbs (398 kg) | — |
| Fuel Capacity | 56.0 gal (212 L) | 92.0 gal (348 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 8.6 GPH (33 L/h) | 17.0 GPH (64 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $30,000 | $36,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $18,000 | $25,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $130 | $195 |
| 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 Ttx
Fuel$94/hr
Variable$195/hr
Annual Fixed$25,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$64,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 172 or Cessna Ttx?
Bottom line: Choose the 172/182 for proven aluminium Cessna economics and the largest support network. Step up to the TTx only when you specifically need ~100+ kt more cruise, composite construction and modern Garmin glass — at multiples of acquisition cost.
Pick the 172 if…
- Budget matters — from $10,000 vs $295,000, you save ~$285,000.
- Lower operating cost — ~$130/hr vs $195/hr.
- More inventory — 403 listings vs 19.
Pick the Ttx if…
- Faster cruise — 235 kts vs 122 kts.
- Longer range — 1250 nm vs 640 nm.
- Newer design — production from 2013 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 Ttx?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 172 cruises at 122 kts with 640 nm range.
The Ttx cruises at 235 kts with 1,250 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 172: from $179,000.
Cessna Ttx: from $694,900.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 172 and Cessna Ttx?
172 engine: Continental O-300 (180 hp).
Cruise: 122 vs 235 kts.
Range: 640 vs 1250 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
172: about $130/hr variable cost.
Ttx: about $195/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.
Ttx: 4 seats.
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.
Ttx: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$36,000.
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