Cessna 172 vs Mooney M20J
The Mooney M20J and Cessna 172 target very different missions. The low-wing, retractable M20J is one of the most efficient four-seat travelers, prized for high cruise speed on modest fuel, while the high-wing, fixed-gear 172 is a simple, stable trainer and family flyer. This is the speed-and-efficiency versus simplicity debate.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna 172 | Mooney M20J |
|---|---|---|
|
|
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| Price Range | $27,900 – $589,500 | $59,410 – $266,441 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 180 HP | 200 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 122 kts (226 km/h) | 161 kts (298 km/h) |
| Range | 640 nm (1,185 km) | 820 nm (1,519 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) | 18,800 ft (5,730 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,550 lbs (1,157 kg) | 2,740 lbs (1,243 kg) |
| Useful Load | 878 lbs (398 kg) | 900 lbs (408 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 56.0 gal (212 L) | 64.0 gal (242 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 8.6 GPH (33 L/h) | 10.0 GPH (38 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $30,000 | $30,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $18,000 | $18,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $130 | $140 |
| 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
Mooney M20J
Fuel$55/hr
Variable$140/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$46,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 172 or Mooney M20J?
Bottom line: Choose the M20J for fast, fuel-efficient cross-country cruise and a sleek airframe; pick the 172 for easy handling, lower insurance, simple fixed gear, and unmatched parts support. Both have loyal followings, so mission, speed needs, and condition typically decide the purchase.
Pick the 172 if…
- Budget matters — from $27,900 vs $59,410, you save ~$31,510.
- Lower operating cost — ~$130/hr vs $140/hr.
- More inventory — 411 listings vs 54.
Pick the M20J if…
- Faster cruise — 161 kts vs 122 kts.
- Longer range — 820 nm vs 640 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1977 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 Mooney M20J?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 172 cruises at 122 kts with 640 nm range.
The M20J cruises at 161 kts with 820 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 172: from $98,000.
Mooney M20J: from $165,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 172 and Mooney M20J?
172 engine: Continental O-300 (180 hp).
M20J engine: Lycoming O-320 (200 hp).
Cruise: 122 vs 161 kts.
Range: 640 vs 820 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
172: about $130/hr variable cost.
M20J: about $140/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.
M20J: 4 seats / 900 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.
M20J: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$30,000.
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