Cessna 172 vs Cessna 182
The Cessna 172 Skyhawk and Cessna 182 Skylane are the two most-built four-seat trainers/ touring singles in history — same design DNA, but the 182 has 230-235 hp vs the 172's 160 hp, with constant-speed prop and dramatically more useful load (~1,100 lb vs ~650 lb).
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Cessna 172
- For sale now
- 421
- Median asking
- $134,231
- Range
- $61,563–$324,965
- Model years available
- 1956–2026
Cessna 182
- For sale now
- 489
- Median asking
- $218,897
- Range
- $104,725–$564,768
- Model years available
- 1956–2026
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 172 — 3 generations
| Generation | Years | Engine | MTOW | Cruise | Range | For sale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 172 Continental | 1956–1967 | O-300 | 2300 | 118 | 520 | 137 |
| 172 O-320 150hp | 1968–1976 | O-320-E2D | 2300 | 120 | 585 | 128 |
| 172 O-320 160hp | 1977–1986 | O-320-H2AD/D2J | 2400 | 122 | 585 | 103 |
Cessna 182 — 4 generations
| Generation | Years | Engine | MTOW | Cruise | Range | For sale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 182 Continental (early) | 1956–1976 | O-470-L/R | 2650 | 140 | 640 | 216 |
| 182 Continental (late) | 1977–1986 | O-470-U | 3100 | 142 | 700 | 86 |
| T182 Turbo | 1981–1986 | TIO-540-AK1A | 3100 | 158 | 970 | 50 |
| 182 Lycoming | 1997–now | IO-540-AB1A5 | 3100 | 145 | 930 | 165 |
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 172 | Cessna 182 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 6810 | 2779 |
| Serious | 542 | 249 |
| Fatal | 960 | 529 |
| Fatalities | 1802 | 1000 |
| % Fatal | 14% | 19% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna 172 | Cessna 182 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $61,563 – $324,965 | $104,725 – $564,768 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 145–160 HP | 230–235 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 118–122 kts (226 km/h) | 140–158 kts (293 km/h) |
| Range | 520–585 nm (1,083 km) | 640–970 nm (1,796 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) | 18,100 ft (5,517 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2300–2,400 lbs (1,089 kg) | 2650–3,100 lbs (1,406 kg) |
| Useful Load | 878 lbs (398 kg) | 1,110 lbs (503 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 56.0 gal (212 L) | 92.0 gal (348 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 8.6 GPH (33 L/h) | 12.5 GPH (47 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,400 hrs | 1,700 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $30,000 | $32,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $18,000 | $20,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $130 | $160 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 172
Fuel$47/hr
Variable$130/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$44,000/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 172 or Cessna 182?
Bottom line: Choose the 172 for primary training, the cheapest four-seat ownership and the gentlest handling. Step up to the 182 when load-hauling, ~25 kt more cruise and short-field utility matter — the high-performance Cessna four-seater.
Pick the 172 if…
- Budget matters — from $61,563 vs $104,725, you save ~$43,162.
- Lower operating cost — ~$130/hr vs $160/hr.
- More inventory — 163 listings vs 106.
Pick the 182 if…
- Faster cruise — 140 kts vs 118 kts.
- Longer range — 640 nm vs 518 nm.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the key difference across the Cessna 172, 182, and 206?
Mission step. The 172 Skyhawk is the trainer and casual four-seat touring aircraft — simplest, lowest cost. The 182 Skylane is the loaded four-seat cross-country aircraft — more power, more useful load. The 206 Stationair is the six-seat utility workhorse — most load, a large cargo door, and the highest useful load. Each step adds capability, complexity, and cost.
172, 182, or 206 — which should I buy?
Buy the 172 if training, modest four-seat day trips, and the lowest operating cost are the priority. Buy the 182 if you regularly load four adults with baggage for cross-country trips where the 172 would be weight-limited or slow; the 182 handles real-world four-seat loads where the 172 struggles. Buy the 206 if six seats, cargo operations, float flying, utility work, or commercial charter with maximum payload is the mission.
When does the 172 fail a mission and demand a 182?
When four adults with luggage exceed the 172's useful load — a common scenario with four adult passengers. The 182's useful load handles four adults and bags, and the 182 is also faster (~140 kt vs ~115 kt). On trips over 500 nm the time difference is significant. If you consistently fly four people with luggage, the 172 is undersized.
When does a 182 become a 206?
When you need six seats, a cargo door, or float operations. The 206's large left-side cargo door enables loading bulky items impossible in the 182, and its six-seat capacity serves commercial operations. The 206's useful load is substantially more than the 182's. For personal touring with two to four passengers, the 182 is sufficient.
How do specs compare?
172N: Lycoming O-320 (160 hp), four seats, ~115 kt cruise, ~800 nm. 182T: Lycoming IO-540-AB1A5 (230 hp), four seats, ~140 kt, ~900 nm. 206H: Lycoming IO-540-AC1A5 (300 hp), six seats, ~140 kt, large cargo door.
Which is cheapest to operate?
The 172 has the lowest operating cost — smallest engine, lowest fuel burn, lowest overhaul cost. The 182 costs more per hour; the 206 more still. The step up is justified by the capability gain: the 182 earns its cost when four real passengers actually get in; the 206 earns its cost when you need six seats or utility loading.
Which should I buy?
172 for training, casual flying, and two-to-three-person day trips on a budget. 182 for genuine four-person cross-country flying — the aircraft that actually does what a family aircraft needs to. 206 for six-seat utility, cargo, float operations, or commercial work. Most private buyers find the 182 is the correct aircraft — real-world useful load is where the 172 falls short.
Which is better, Cessna 172 or Cessna 182?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 172 cruises at 118 kts with 518 nm range.
The 182 cruises at 140 kts with 640 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 172: from $119,900.
Cessna 182: from $104,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 172 and Cessna 182?
172 engine: LYCOMING (180 hp).
182 engine: CONTINENTAL O-470-R (230 hp).
Cruise: 118 vs 140 kts.
Range: 518 vs 640 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
172: about $130/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?
172: 4 seats / 878 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?
172: 1,400-hour TBO, overhaul ~$30,000.
182: 1,700-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