Cessna 180 vs Cessna 177
The Cessna 177 Cardinal and Cessna 180 Skywagon are high-wing Cessnas with very different roles. The Cardinal is a sleek, tricycle-gear four-seater built for comfortable cruising, while the taildragger 180 is a rugged backcountry and utility hauler. This is the comfortable cruiser versus rugged workhorse debate.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna 180 | Cessna 177 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $100,000 – $399,000 | $50,654 – $199,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 230 HP | 150 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 140 kts (259 km/h) | 120 kts (222 km/h) |
| Range | 700 nm (1,296 km) | 600 nm (1,111 km) |
| Max Gross Weight | 12,500 lbs (5,670 kg) | 12,500 lbs (5,670 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,400 lbs (635 kg) | 900 lbs (408 kg) |
| Fuel Burn | 12.0 GPH (45 L/h) | 9.0 GPH (34 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $30,000 | $32,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $18,000 | $18,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $155 | $150 |
| Engines | 1 x Reciprocating | 1 x Reciprocating |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 180
Fuel$66/hr
Variable$155/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$49,000/yr
Cessna 177
Fuel$50/hr
Variable$150/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$48,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 180 or Cessna 177?
Bottom line: Choose the 177 for its roomy cabin, easy tricycle gear, and smooth cruising; pick the 180 for taildragger ruggedness, backcountry capability, and strong load-hauling. Both are well-loved Cessnas, so mission, terrain, and condition typically decide which is the better fit.
Pick the 180 if…
- Faster cruise — 140 kts vs 120 kts.
- Longer range — 700 nm vs 600 nm.
Pick the 177 if…
- Budget matters — from $50,654 vs $100,000, you save ~$49,346.
- Lower operating cost — ~$150/hr vs $155/hr.
- Newer design — production from 1968 vs 1953.
- More inventory — 66 listings vs 50.
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 180 or Cessna 177?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 180 cruises at 140 kts with 700 nm range.
The 177 cruises at 120 kts with 600 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 180: from $189,900.
Cessna 177: from $109,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 180 and Cessna 177?
180 engine: Continental O-470-K (230 hp).
177 engine: Lycoming O-320 (150 hp).
Cruise: 140 vs 120 kts.
Range: 700 vs 600 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
180: about $155/hr variable cost.
177: about $150/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?
180: 4 seats / 1,400 lb useful load.
177: 4 seats / 900 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?
180: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$30,000.
177: 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