Cessna 177 vs Cessna 182
The Cessna 177 Cardinal and Cessna 182 Skylane are both four-seat, high-wing Cessnas with different strengths. The Cardinal offers a sleek cantilever wing, wide cabin, and excellent visibility, while the Skylane brings more power and a higher useful load. This is the comfortable cruiser versus load-hauling workhorse debate.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna 177 | Cessna 182 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $50,624 – $199,000 | $14,500 – $875,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 150 HP | 230 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 120 kts (222 km/h) | 140 kts (259 km/h) |
| Range | 600 nm (1,111 km) | 915 nm (1,695 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 18,100 ft (5,517 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 12,500 lbs (5,670 kg) | 3,100 lbs (1,406 kg) |
| Useful Load | 900 lbs (408 kg) | 1,110 lbs (503 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 92.0 gal (348 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 9.0 GPH (34 L/h) | 12.5 GPH (47 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $32,000 | $32,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $18,000 | $20,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $150 | $160 |
| Engines | 1 x Reciprocating | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 177
Fuel$50/hr
Variable$150/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$48,000/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 177 or Cessna 182?
Bottom line: Choose the 177 for its roomy cabin, strut-free wing, and great visibility on modest fuel; pick the 182 for more power, higher useful load, and stronger all-round cross-country capability. Both are capable four-seaters, so payload needs, condition, and price typically decide the purchase.
Pick the 177 if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$150/hr vs $160/hr.
- Newer design — production from 1968 vs 1956.
Pick the 182 if…
- Budget matters — from $14,500 vs $50,624, you save ~$36,124.
- Faster cruise — 140 kts vs 120 kts.
- Longer range — 915 nm vs 600 nm.
- More inventory — 502 listings vs 66.
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 182?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 177 cruises at 120 kts with 600 nm range.
The 182 cruises at 140 kts with 915 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 177: from $115,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 177 and Cessna 182?
177 engine: Lycoming O-320 (150 hp).
182 engine: Continental O-470-L (230 hp).
Cruise: 120 vs 140 kts.
Range: 600 vs 915 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
177: about $150/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?
177: 4 seats / 900 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?
177: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$32,000.
182: 2,000-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