Cessna 172S vs Cessna 182

The Cessna 172S Skyhawk and Cessna 182 Skylane are the two most popular fixed-gear Cessna singles, and the natural step-up decision for many buyers. The 172S is the modern 180-hp trainer and light tourer; the 182 Skylane is the 230-hp four-adult cross-country hauler. Both are fixed-gear, docile and superbly supported - the choice comes down to how much airplane you actually need.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily

Cessna 172S
For sale now
33
Median asking
$325,000
Range
$103,400–$589,500
Model years available
1977–2026
Cessna 182
For sale now
489
Median asking
$218,897
Range
$104,725–$564,768
Model years available
1956–2026

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 172S — 0 generations

GenerationYearsEngineMTOWCruiseRangeFor sale

Cessna 182 — 4 generations

GenerationYearsEngineMTOWCruiseRangeFor sale
182 Continental (early) 1956–1976 O-470-L/R 2650 140 640 217
182 Continental (late) 1977–1986 O-470-U 3100 142 700 86
T182 Turbo 1981–1986 TIO-540-AK1A 3100 158 970 50
182 Lycoming 1997–now IO-540-AB1A5 3100 145 930 163

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 172SCessna 182
All events4102779
Serious16249
Fatal45529
Fatalities801000
% Fatal11%19%
View full Cessna 172S NTSB record →View full Cessna 182 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Cessna 172S Cessna 182
Cessna 172S
View 41 listings →
Median $325,000
 Cessna 182
View 104 listings →
Median $218,897
Price Range $103,400 – $589,500 $104,725 – $564,768
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 4 4
Horsepower 180 HP 230–235 HP
Cruise Speed 124 kts (230 km/h) 140–158 kts (293 km/h)
Range 518 nm (959 km) 640–970 nm (1,796 km)
Service Ceiling 14,000 ft (4,267 m) 18,100 ft (5,517 m)
Max Gross Weight 2,550 lbs (1,157 kg) 2650–3,100 lbs (1,406 kg)
Useful Load 878 lbs (398 kg) 1,110 lbs (503 kg)
Fuel Capacity 56.0 gal (212 L) 92.0 gal (348 L)
Fuel Burn 8.5 GPH (32 L/h) 12.5 GPH (47 L/h)
TBO 2,000 hrs 1,700 hrs
Overhaul Cost $30,000 $32,000
Annual Fixed $18,000 $20,000
Hourly Variable $130 $160
Engines 1 x Piston 1 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Cessna 172S

Fuel$47/hr
Variable$130/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $44,000/yr

Cessna 182

Fuel$69/hr
Variable$160/hr
Annual Fixed$20,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $52,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Cessna 172S or Cessna 182?

Bottom line: Pick the 172S if you are training, building time, or flying one or two people on shorter trips and want the lowest operating cost, easiest handling and simplest ownership of any capable four-seat single. Its 180-hp Lycoming IO-360 sips fuel, and the aircraft is neither complex nor high-performance, which keeps insurance and maintenance modest. Pick the 182 if you regularly carry four adults, bags and near-full fuel, or fly longer cross-countries: the 230-hp Skylane gives roughly 15 knots more cruise, far more useful load, and confident performance at high density altitude. It costs more to buy and run, and as a 230-hp aircraft it is high-performance and needs the FAR 61.31(f) endorsement (it is not, however, complex - the gear is fixed). In short: the 172S is the trainer and economical tourer; the 182 is the family hauler.

Pick the 172S if…

  • Budget matters — from $103,400 vs $104,725, you save ~$1,325.
  • Lower operating cost — ~$130/hr vs $160/hr.
  • Newer design — production from 1998 vs 1956.

Pick the 182 if…

  • Faster cruise — 140 kts vs 124 kts.
  • Longer range — 640 nm vs 518 nm.
  • More inventory — 104 listings vs 41.

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between the Cessna 172S and the Cessna 182 Skylane?
The 182 Skylane has significantly more engine power — approximately 230 hp (a Continental O-470 on classic Skylanes, or a Lycoming IO-540 on the modern 182T) compared to the 172S's 180 hp Lycoming IO-360 — and a correspondingly higher useful load and climb rate. Both are fixed-gear, high-wing Cessna singles, with Garmin G1000 avionics in their modern versions, but the 182 is a meaningfully heavier aircraft built for more payload and less performance compromise at higher density altitude. The 172S is the lighter, more economical option.
Which is better for flight training — the 172S or the 182?
The 172S is the dominant flight training platform globally. Its lighter controls, lower fuel burn, and lower operating cost make it the standard for primary and instrument training. The 182's higher power and weight add cost and complexity that are unnecessary for most student pilots. If the goal is commercial certificate or transitioning to heavier aircraft, some operators use the 182 for advanced training, but the 172S is the near-universal first choice.
Which carries more payload and passengers?
The 182 Skylane. Its higher gross weight and more powerful engine allow it to carry four occupants with useful baggage more comfortably — particularly at higher density altitude or on longer legs where the 172S approaches its useful load limits with four adults. If you regularly fly with three or four occupants and luggage, the 182's payload margin is a real operational advantage over the 172S.
How do operating costs compare?
The 172S burns less fuel per hour and costs less to insure and maintain than the 182 — the IO-360 is simpler and less expensive to overhaul than the IO-540. For owner-operators who fly light loads (one or two occupants) most of the time, the 172S's lower per-hour cost is a meaningful advantage. The 182 earns its higher operating cost only when you regularly use its additional payload and performance.
Which holds its value better?
Both are strong-resale Cessna singles with large installed fleets and wide parts support. The 172S benefits from the largest single-engine piston fleet in the world — parts availability is unmatched. The 182 commands higher resale in absolute terms due to its higher capability class. Neither is a poor choice for long-term ownership; the resale difference tracks the performance difference.
Should I buy a 172S or a 182 Skylane?
Buy the 172S if: you fly primarily solo or with one passenger, fuel economy and lower operating cost matter, or you are building hours for a commercial certificate on a budget. Buy the 182 if: you regularly carry three or four occupants with bags, fly from short or high-altitude strips, or need the additional climb and cruise margin the larger engine provides. Both are Cessna's most supported aircraft — the choice is determined by mission, not by reliability or parts availability.
Which is better, Cessna 172S or Cessna 182?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 172S cruises at 124 kts with 518 nm range. The 182 cruises at 140 kts with 640 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 172S: from $589,500. Cessna 182: from $104,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 172S and Cessna 182?
172S engine: LYCOMING IO-360-L2A (180 hp). 182 engine: CONTINENTAL O-470-R (230 hp). Cruise: 124 vs 140 kts. Range: 518 vs 640 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
172S: about $130/hr variable cost. 182: about $160/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?
172S: 4 seats / 878 lb useful load. 182: 4 seats / 1,110 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?
172S: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$30,000. 182: 1,700-hour TBO, overhaul ~$32,000. 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