Cessna 172R vs Cessna 206
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna 172R | Cessna 206 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $169,950 – $299,000 | $139,000 – $1,295,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 180 HP | 300 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 122 kts (226 km/h) | 142 kts (263 km/h) |
| Range | 640 nm (1,185 km) | 840 nm (1,556 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 15,700 ft (4,785 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | — | 3,600 lbs (1,633 kg) |
| Useful Load | 878 lbs (398 kg) | 1,400 lbs (635 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 92.0 gal (348 L) |
| Fuel Burn | — | 14.5 GPH (55 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 1,500 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $35,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $22,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $175 |
| Engines | 1 x | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 172R
Cessna 206
Fuel$80/hr
Variable$175/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$57,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 172R or Cessna 206?
Pick the 172R if…
- Newer design — production from 1996 vs 1964.
Pick the 206 if…
- Budget matters — from $139,000 vs $169,950, you save ~$30,950.
- More seats — 6 vs 4.
- Faster cruise — 142 kts vs 122 kts.
- Longer range — 840 nm vs 640 nm.
- More inventory — 168 listings vs 16.
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 172R or Cessna 206?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 172R cruises at 122 kts with 640 nm range.
The 206 cruises at 142 kts with 840 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 172R: from $169,950.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 172R and Cessna 206?
206 engine: Lycoming IO-540-AC1A5 (300 hp).
Seats: 4 vs 6.
Cruise: 122 vs 142 kts.
Range: 640 vs 840 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
206: 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?
172R: 4 seats / 878 lb useful load.
206: 6 seats / 1,400 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?
172R: 2,000-hour TBO.
206: 1,500-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