Cessna 177 vs Cessna 180K

Live Market Snapshot

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

Cessna 177
For sale now
71
Median asking
$134,500
Range
$91,273–$189,850
Model years available
1967–1978
Cessna 180K
For sale now
4
Model years available
1977–1981

Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.

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 177Cessna 180K
All events76690
Serious845
Fatal1417
Fatalities28112
% Fatal18%8%

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Cessna 177 Cessna 180K
Cessna 177
View 34 listings →
Median $134,500
Cessna 180K
View 5 listings →
Median $257,450
Price Range $91,273 – $189,850 $190,075 – $358,485
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 4 4
Horsepower 150 HP 230 HP
Cruise Speed 120 kts (222 km/h) 142 kts (263 km/h)
Range 600 nm (1,111 km) 700 nm (1,296 km)
Service Ceiling 14,600 ft (4,450 m) 20,000 ft (6,096 m)
Max Gross Weight 2,350 lbs (1,066 kg) 2,810 lbs (1,275 kg)
Useful Load 900 lbs (408 kg) 1,400 lbs (635 kg)
Fuel Capacity 50.0 gal (189 L) 65.0 gal (246 L)
Fuel Burn 9.0 GPH (34 L/h) 12.0 GPH (45 L/h)
TBO 2,000 hrs 1,500 hrs
Overhaul Cost $32,000 $30,000
Annual Fixed $18,000 $18,000
Hourly Variable $150 $130
Engines 1 x Piston 1 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Cessna 177

Fuel$50/hr
Variable$150/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $48,000/yr

Cessna 180K

Fuel$66/hr
Variable$130/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $44,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Cessna 177 or Cessna 180K?

Pick the 177 if…

  • Budget matters — from $91,273 vs $190,075, you save ~$98,802.
  • More inventory — 34 listings vs 5.

Pick the 180K if…

  • Lower operating cost — ~$130/hr vs $150/hr.
  • Faster cruise — 142 kts vs 120 kts.
  • Longer range — 700 nm vs 600 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 1980 vs 1968.

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 177 or Cessna 180K?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 177 cruises at 120 kts with 600 nm range. The 180K cruises at 142 kts with 700 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 177: from $139,500. Cessna 180K: from $249,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 177 and Cessna 180K?
177 engine: LYCOMING O-320 (150 hp). 180K engine: CONTINENTAL O-470-U (230 hp). Cruise: 120 vs 142 kts. Range: 600 vs 700 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
177: about $150/hr variable cost. 180K: 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?
177: 4 seats / 900 lb useful load. 180K: 4 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?
177: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$32,000. 180K: 1,500-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 updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data