Cessna 180 vs Cessna 185E
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle
Cessna 180
- For sale now
- 50
- Median asking
- $180,000
- Range
- $121,500–$304,430
- Model years available
- 1953–1981
Cessna 185E
No active listings right now.
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 180 | Cessna 185E |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 1114 | 35 |
| Serious | 51 | 2 |
| Fatal | 87 | 2 |
| Fatalities | 166 | 6 |
| % Fatal | 8% | 6% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna 180 | Cessna 185E |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $121,500 – $304,430 | $185,000 – $335,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | — |
| Horsepower | 230 HP | — |
| Cruise Speed | 140 kts (259 km/h) | — |
| Range | 700 nm (1,296 km) | — |
| Service Ceiling | 20,000 ft (6,096 m) | — |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,650 lbs (1,202 kg) | — |
| Useful Load | 1,400 lbs (635 kg) | — |
| Fuel Capacity | 60.0 gal (227 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 12.0 GPH (45 L/h) | — |
| TBO | 1,700 hrs | — |
| Overhaul Cost | $30,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $18,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $155 | — |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | — |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 180
Fuel$66/hr
Variable$155/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$49,000/yr
Cessna 185E
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Cessna 180 or Cessna 185E?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 180 cruises at 140 kts with 700 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 180: from $399,000.
Cessna 185E: from $185,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 180 and Cessna 185E?
180 engine: CONTINENTAL O-470-K (230 hp).
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
180: about $155/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.
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: 1,700-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 re-checked on a rolling cycle — most within a few days · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data