Cessna 182 Continental (early) vs Piper Lance

Live Market Snapshot

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

Cessna 182 Continental (early)

No active listings right now.

Piper Lance
For sale now
14
Median asking
$134,975
Range
$61,680–$354,750
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
4
Source marketplaces
6
Model years available
1976–2000

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 182 Continental (early) — 4 generations

GenerationYearsEngineMTOWCruiseRangeFor sale
182 Continental (early) 1956–1976 Continental O-470-L/R 2650 140 640 206
182 Continental (late) 1977–1986 Continental O-470-U 3100 142 700 78
T182 Turbo 1981–now Lycoming TIO-540-AK1A 3100 158 970 44
182 Lycoming 1997–now Lycoming IO-540-AB1A5 3100 145 930 152

Piper Lance — 0 generations

GenerationYearsEngineMTOWCruiseRangeFor sale

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Cessna 182 Continental (early) Piper Lance
Piper Lance
View 21 listings →
Median $134,975
Price Range $61,680 – $354,750
Category Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 4 6
Horsepower 230–235 HP 300 HP
Cruise Speed 140–158 kts (293 km/h) 142 kts (263 km/h)
Range 640–970 nm (1,796 km) 875 nm (1,620 km)
Service Ceiling 18,900 ft (5,761 m) 16,000 ft (4,877 m)
Max Gross Weight 2650–3,100 lbs (1,406 kg) 3,600 lbs (1,633 kg)
Useful Load 1,140 lbs (517 kg) 1,500 lbs (680 kg)
Fuel Burn 13.5 GPH (51 L/h) 14.0 GPH (53 L/h)
Engines 1 x Piston 1 x Piston

Which Should You Buy: Cessna 182 Continental (early) or Piper Lance?

Pick the 182 Continental (early) if…

Pick the Lance if…

  • More seats — 6 vs 4.
  • Faster cruise — 142 kts vs 140 kts.
  • Longer range — 875 nm vs 640 nm.

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 182 Continental (early) or Piper Lance?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 182 Continental (early) cruises at 140 kts with 640 nm range. The Lance cruises at 142 kts with 875 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 182 Continental (early) and Piper Lance?
182 Continental (early) engine: Continental O-470-L/R (230 hp). Seats: 4 vs 6. Cruise: 140 vs 142 kts. Range: 640 vs 875 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
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?
182 Continental (early): 4 seats / 1,140 lb useful load. Lance: 6 seats / 1,500 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?
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