Cessna 172 vs Tecnam P2010
The Tecnam P2010 and Cessna 172 are certified four-seat singles — the P2010 a modern, larger-cabin high-wing (with diesel/avgas and 180-215 hp options), the 172 the world's benchmark trainer/ tourer.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle
Cessna 172
- For sale now
- 527
- Median asking
- $129,925
- Range
- $56,023–$321,435
- Model years available
- 1951–2026
Tecnam P2010
- For sale now
- 31
- Median asking
- $504,938
- Range
- $299,000–$682,080
- Model years available
- 2015–2026
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 | 144 |
| 172 O-320 150hp | 1968–1976 | O-320-E2D | 2300 | 120 | 585 | 124 |
| 172 O-320 160hp | 1977–1986 | O-320-H2AD/D2J | 2400 | 122 | 585 | 102 |
Tecnam P2010 — 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 | Tecnam P2010 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 6810 | 3 |
| Serious | 542 | 1 |
| Fatal | 960 | 0 |
| Fatalities | 1802 | 0 |
| % Fatal | 14% | 0% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna 172 | Tecnam P2010 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $56,023 – $321,435 | $299,000 – $682,080 |
| 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) | 140 kts (259 km/h) |
| Range | 520–585 nm (1,083 km) | 720 nm (1,333 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) | 15,000 ft (4,572 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2300–2,400 lbs (1,089 kg) | 2,557 lbs (1,160 kg) |
| Useful Load | 878 lbs (398 kg) | 850 lbs (386 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 56.0 gal (212 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 8.6 GPH (33 L/h) | 9.0 GPH (34 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
Tecnam P2010
Fuel$50/hr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 172 or Tecnam P2010?
Bottom line: Choose the Cessna 172 for the largest support/training network, easy financing/insurance and proven resale; choose the Tecnam P2010 for a newer airframe, a wider cabin, four real seats and modern glass — often with diesel economy. 172 = ubiquity/resale; P2010 = modern/cabin/economy.
Pick the 172 if…
- Budget matters — from $56,023 vs $299,000, you save ~$242,977.
- More inventory — 170 listings vs 10.
Pick the P2010 if…
- Faster cruise — 140 kts vs 118 kts.
- Longer range — 720 nm vs 518 nm.
- Newer design — production from 2014 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 Tecnam P2010?
Heritage vs modern design. The Cessna 172 is a 1956-lineage high-wing four-seater — aluminium, conventional, and the world's most produced aircraft. The Tecnam P2010 is a contemporary Italian-designed high-wing four-seat single with a Lycoming IO-360 (~180 hp), composite-and-metal construction, modern Garmin avionics, and roughly 130–135 kt cruise. The P2010 is newer and more fuel-efficient; the 172 has an unmatched support network.
172 or Tecnam P2010 — which four-seater?
Buy the 172 if: the world's deepest parts and maintenance network, universal A&P familiarity, and established flight-school credentials are priorities. Buy the Tecnam P2010 if: modern avionics, fuel efficiency, and a new-generation design appeal — the P2010 is a genuinely modern aircraft by a respected European manufacturer. Both are four-seat certified singles; the 172's network advantage is decisive for flight schools.
How does the Tecnam's avionics compare?
The Tecnam P2010 ships with modern Garmin glass avionics as standard. Cessna 172s span from round-gauge vintage to Garmin G1000 depending on year. For operators who value a modern panel as standard equipment, the P2010's avionics package is competitive.
How do specs compare?
Cessna 172S Skyhawk SP: IO-360-L2A (180 hp), 4 seats, high-wing, fixed gear, ~122 kt. Tecnam P2010: IO-360 (~180 hp), 4 seats, high-wing, fixed gear, ~130–135 kt.
Which is cheaper to operate?
The 172's massive installed base keeps parts and maintenance costs competitive. The Tecnam P2010's smaller support network may result in longer parts lead times in some markets. Fuel burn is broadly comparable. For long-term ownership economics, the 172's support depth is the practical advantage.
Which should I buy?
172 for training operations and any mission where the world's deepest support network matters. Tecnam P2010 for modern-design touring where contemporary avionics, fuel efficiency, and European build quality are the differentiators.
Which is better, Cessna 172 or Tecnam P2010?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 172 cruises at 118 kts with 518 nm range.
The P2010 cruises at 140 kts with 720 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 172: from $99,500.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 172 and Tecnam P2010?
172 engine: LYCOMING (180 hp).
Cruise: 118 vs 140 kts.
Range: 518 vs 720 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.
P2010: 4 seats / 850 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