Cessna 182 vs Cessna 172
The Cessna 182 Skylane and Cessna 172 Skyhawk are the two best-selling high-wing singles ever built. The 182 brings a bigger engine, more payload, and a constant-speed prop for real cross-country hauling, while the lighter 172 is the gentle, economical trainer that taught generations to fly. This is the classic step-up question within the Cessna line.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna 182 | Cessna 172 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $14,500 – $875,000 | $27,900 – $589,500 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 230 HP | 180 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 140 kts (259 km/h) | 122 kts (226 km/h) |
| Range | 915 nm (1,695 km) | 640 nm (1,185 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 18,100 ft (5,517 m) | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,100 lbs (1,406 kg) | 2,550 lbs (1,157 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,110 lbs (503 kg) | 878 lbs (398 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 92.0 gal (348 L) | 56.0 gal (212 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 12.5 GPH (47 L/h) | 8.6 GPH (33 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $32,000 | $30,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $20,000 | $18,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $160 | $130 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 182
Fuel$69/hr
Variable$160/hr
Annual Fixed$20,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$52,000/yr
Cessna 172
Fuel$47/hr
Variable$130/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$44,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 182 or Cessna 172?
Bottom line: Choose the 182 for more power, payload, and cruise speed when you carry people and bags; pick the 172 for lower costs, docile handling, and easy ownership. Mission and budget decide it—families and travelers lean 182, while trainers and economy favor the 172.
Pick the 182 if…
- Budget matters — from $14,500 vs $27,900, you save ~$13,400.
- Faster cruise — 140 kts vs 122 kts.
- Longer range — 915 nm vs 640 nm.
- More inventory — 499 listings vs 411.
Pick the 172 if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$130/hr vs $160/hr.
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 or Cessna 172?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 182 cruises at 140 kts with 915 nm range.
The 172 cruises at 122 kts with 640 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 and Cessna 172?
182 engine: Continental O-470-L (230 hp).
172 engine: Continental O-300 (180 hp).
Cruise: 140 vs 122 kts.
Range: 915 vs 640 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
182: about $160/hr variable cost.
172: about $130/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?
182: 4 seats / 1,110 lb useful load.
172: 4 seats / 878 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?
182: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$32,000.
172: 2,000-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 updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data