Cessna 172N vs Cessna 185
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna 172N | Cessna 185 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $64,000 – $259,000 | $160,000 – $899,500 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 180 HP | 300 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 122 kts (226 km/h) | 145 kts (269 km/h) |
| Range | 640 nm (1,185 km) | 720 nm (1,333 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 17,150 ft (5,227 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 12,500 lbs (5,670 kg) | 3,350 lbs (1,520 kg) |
| Useful Load | 878 lbs (398 kg) | 1,440 lbs (653 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 84.0 gal (318 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 8.5 GPH (32 L/h) | 15.5 GPH (59 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $30,000 | $35,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $18,000 | $22,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $130 | $175 |
| Engines | 1 x Reciprocating | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 172N
Fuel$47/hr
Variable$130/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$44,000/yr
Cessna 185
Fuel$85/hr
Variable$175/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$57,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 172N or Cessna 185?
Pick the 172N if…
- Budget matters — from $64,000 vs $160,000, you save ~$96,000.
- Lower operating cost — ~$130/hr vs $175/hr.
- Newer design — production from 1976 vs 1961.
Pick the 185 if…
- More seats — 6 vs 4.
- Faster cruise — 145 kts vs 122 kts.
- Longer range — 720 nm vs 640 nm.
- More inventory — 69 listings vs 57.
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 172N or Cessna 185?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 172N cruises at 122 kts with 640 nm range.
The 185 cruises at 145 kts with 720 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 172N: from $105,000.
Cessna 185: from $175,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 172N and Cessna 185?
185 engine: Continental IO-470-F (300 hp).
Seats: 4 vs 6.
Cruise: 122 vs 145 kts.
Range: 640 vs 720 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
172N: about $130/hr variable cost.
185: 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?
172N: 4 seats / 878 lb useful load.
185: 6 seats / 1,440 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?
172N: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$30,000.
185: 2,000-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