Cessna 182 vs Cessna 206
The Cessna 206 and Cessna 182 Skylane are both high-wing Cessna singles, but the 206 is the bigger workhorse. The fixed-gear 206 offers a larger cabin, more seats, and a big cargo door for hauling people and freight, while the lighter 182 is a stable four-seat traveler with lower costs. This is heavy utility versus efficient travel.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna 182 | Cessna 206 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
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| Price Range | $14,500 – $875,000 | $139,000 – $1,295,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 230 HP | 300 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 140 kts (259 km/h) | 142 kts (263 km/h) |
| Range | 915 nm (1,695 km) | 840 nm (1,556 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 18,100 ft (5,517 m) | 15,700 ft (4,785 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,100 lbs (1,406 kg) | 3,600 lbs (1,633 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,110 lbs (503 kg) | 1,400 lbs (635 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 92.0 gal (348 L) | 92.0 gal (348 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 12.5 GPH (47 L/h) | 14.5 GPH (55 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 1,500 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $32,000 | $35,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $20,000 | $22,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $160 | $175 |
| 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 206
Fuel$80/hr
Variable$175/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$57,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 182 or Cessna 206?
Bottom line: Choose the 206 for cabin volume, the cargo door, and serious load-hauling; pick the 182 for lower operating costs, easy handling, and efficient cross-country travel. Mission and budget decide it—utility operators lean 206, while travelers and economy favor the Skylane.
Pick the 182 if…
- Budget matters — from $14,500 vs $139,000, you save ~$124,500.
- Lower operating cost — ~$160/hr vs $175/hr.
- Longer range — 915 nm vs 840 nm.
- More inventory — 499 listings vs 169.
Pick the 206 if…
- More seats — 6 vs 4.
- Faster cruise — 142 kts vs 140 kts.
- Newer design — production from 1964 vs 1956.
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 206?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 182 cruises at 140 kts with 915 nm range.
The 206 cruises at 142 kts with 840 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 206?
182 engine: Continental O-470-L (230 hp).
206 engine: Lycoming IO-540-AC1A5 (300 hp).
Seats: 4 vs 6.
Cruise: 140 vs 142 kts.
Range: 915 vs 840 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
182: about $160/hr variable cost.
206: about $175/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.
206: 6 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?
182: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$32,000.
206: 1,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$35,000.
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