Cessna 172 vs Socata TB-10 Tobago
The Socata TB-10 Tobago and Cessna 172/182 are four-seat fixed-gear tourers — the Tobago a wide-cabin low-wing, the Cessnas the high-wing benchmarks.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle
Cessna 172
- For sale now
- 421
- Median asking
- $134,231
- Range
- $61,563–$324,965
- Model years available
- 1956–2026
Socata TB-10 Tobago
- For sale now
- 14
- Median asking
- $103,304
- Range
- $29,972–$130,527
- Model years available
- 1978–1991
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
Generations Breakdown
Per-generation specs — engine/weight/performance differ materially across production eras.
Per-era “For sale” counts exclude listings with unspecified year and separate variants (RG retractable, Hawk XP), so they may not sum to the total above.
Cessna 172 — 3 generations
| Generation | Years | Engine | MTOW | Cruise | Range | For sale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 172 Continental | 1956–1967 | O-300 | 2300 | 118 | 520 | 137 |
| 172 O-320 150hp | 1968–1976 | O-320-E2D | 2300 | 120 | 585 | 128 |
| 172 O-320 160hp | 1977–1986 | O-320-H2AD/D2J | 2400 | 122 | 585 | 103 |
Socata TB-10 Tobago — 0 generations
| Generation | Years | Engine | MTOW | Cruise | Range | For sale |
|---|
Safety Record
Absolute counts scale with fleet size — the most-produced types log more events without being less safe. Compare the % fatal.
| NTSB (1982–now) | Cessna 172 | Socata TB-10 Tobago |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 6810 | — |
| Serious | 542 | — |
| Fatal | 960 | — |
| Fatalities | 1802 | — |
| % Fatal | 14% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna 172 | Socata TB-10 Tobago |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $61,563 – $324,965 | $29,972 – $130,527 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 145–160 HP | 180 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 118–122 kts (226 km/h) | 127 kts (235 km/h) |
| Range | 520–585 nm (1,083 km) | 632 nm (1,170 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) | 13,000 ft (3,962 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2300–2,400 lbs (1,089 kg) | 2,535 lbs (1,150 kg) |
| Useful Load | 878 lbs (398 kg) | 1,058 lbs (480 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 56.0 gal (212 L) | 53.0 gal (201 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 8.6 GPH (33 L/h) | 10.0 GPH (38 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,400 hrs | — |
| Overhaul Cost | $30,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $18,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $130 | — |
| 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
Socata TB-10 Tobago
Fuel$55/hr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 172 or Socata TB-10 Tobago?
Bottom line: Choose the Cessna 172/182 for support, resale and high-wing utility; choose the TB-10 Tobago for a wider, more comfortable low-wing cabin and French style. Cessna = support/utility; Tobago = cabin/style.
Pick the 172 if…
- More inventory — 164 listings vs 14.
Pick the TB-10 Tobago if…
- Budget matters — from $29,972 vs $61,563, you save ~$31,591.
- Faster cruise — 127 kts vs 118 kts.
- Longer range — 632 nm vs 518 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1980 vs 1956.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the key difference between the Cessna 172 and SOCATA TB-10 Tobago?
Geography and construction. The Cessna 172 is the North American four-seat training standard — aluminium, high-wing, and universally supported. The SOCATA TB-10 Tobago (Lycoming O-360, ~180 hp, low-wing, 4 seats, ~135 kt) is a French-built aircraft widely used in European flight training. The Tobago is largely unknown in North American markets; in France and parts of Europe it is a respected 172 alternative.
172 or SOCATA Tobago — which trainer?
In North America, the 172 is the only practical choice — the Tobago has virtually no support infrastructure in the US or Canada. In Europe (primarily France), the Tobago is a supported training aircraft with comparable mission capability to the 172. The decision is almost entirely geographic.
What makes the SOCATA TB-10 distinctive?
The TB-10 is a low-wing four-seater with a large canopy providing good visibility. The SOCATA TB family (TB9 Tampico, TB10 Tobago, TB20 Trinidad) forms a performance progression common in French flight schools — the Tobago sits in the middle as the fixed-gear 180 hp tourer/trainer.
How do specs compare?
Cessna 172S: IO-360-L2A (180 hp), 4 seats, high-wing, ~122 kt. SOCATA TB-10 Tobago: O-360 (~180 hp), 4 seats, low-wing, ~135 kt.
Which is cheaper to operate?
In North America, the 172 wins decisively on operating economics. In France and French-influenced markets, both aircraft have comparable support costs. Outside Europe, SOCATA parts availability is limited — the 172's global supply chain is incomparable.
Which should I buy?
172 for universal operations and the world's deepest support network. SOCATA TB-10 for buyers in France or Europe who are already within the SOCATA network and value its training pedigree.
Which is better, Cessna 172 or Socata TB-10 Tobago?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 172 cruises at 118 kts with 518 nm range.
The TB-10 Tobago cruises at 127 kts with 632 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 172: from $119,900.
Socata TB-10 Tobago: from $95,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 172 and Socata TB-10 Tobago?
172 engine: LYCOMING (180 hp).
Cruise: 118 vs 127 kts.
Range: 518 vs 632 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
172: about $130/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.
TB-10 Tobago: 4 seats / 1,058 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: 1,400-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 re-checked on a rolling cycle — most within a few days · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data