Cessna 182 vs Cessna 210

The Cessna 182 Skylane and the Cessna 210 Centurion are two high-wing Cessnas a step apart — the fixed-gear, four-seat 182 and the retractable-gear, six-seat 210. The 182 is the simple, capable tourer; the 210 adds retractable gear, two seats and serious speed. Where each trades now is below.

Live Market Snapshot

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

Cessna 182
For sale now
489
Median asking
$218,897
Range
$104,725–$564,768
Model years available
1956–2026
Cessna 210
For sale now
177
Median asking
$249,750
Range
$90,200–$695,000
Model years available
1960–2021

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 — 4 generations

GenerationYearsEngineMTOWCruiseRangeFor 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

Cessna 210 — 4 generations

GenerationYearsEngineMTOWCruiseRangeFor sale
210 IO-470 (260hp) 1960–1963 IO-470-E 2900 160 700 29
210 IO-520 (NA) 1964–1986 IO-520-A/L 3800 171 900 47
T210 Turbo 1966–1986 TSIO-520-R 3800 193 950 58
P210 Pressurized 1978–1986 TSIO-520-P 4000 200 1000 57

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 182Cessna 210
All events2779819
Serious24964
Fatal529192
Fatalities1000413
% Fatal19%23%
View full Cessna 182 NTSB record →View full Cessna 210 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Cessna 182 Cessna 210
Cessna 182
View 106 listings →
Median $218,897
 Cessna 210
View 28 listings →
Median $249,750
Price Range $104,725 – $564,768 $90,200 – $695,000
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 4 6
Horsepower 230–235 HP 260–325 HP
Cruise Speed 140–158 kts (293 km/h) 160–200 kts (370 km/h)
Range 640–970 nm (1,796 km) 700–1,000 nm (1,852 km)
Service Ceiling 18,100 ft (5,517 m) 17,300 ft (5,273 m)
Max Gross Weight 2650–3,100 lbs (1,406 kg) 2900–4,000 lbs (1,814 kg)
Useful Load 1,110 lbs (503 kg) 1,310 lbs (594 kg)
Fuel Capacity 92.0 gal (348 L) 90.0 gal (341 L)
Fuel Burn 12.5 GPH (47 L/h) 14.5 GPH (55 L/h)
TBO 1,700 hrs 1,700 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

Estimate

Cessna 182

Fuel$69/hr
Variable$160/hr
Annual Fixed$20,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $52,000/yr

Cessna 210

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 210?

Bottom line: Choose the 182 Skylane for simple, economical four-seat travel — fixed-gear simplicity, a strong useful load and lower running costs. Choose the 210 Centurion for speed and capacity — retractable gear, six seats and a high cruise, with the cost and complexity that come with a retractable. On safety both are forgiving high-wing Cessnas; the 210 asks for retractable-gear discipline while the 182 stays simple — a step in systems, not a safety gap. Simple fixed-gear tourer, or fast six-seat retractable.

Pick the 182 if…

  • Lower operating cost — ~$160/hr vs $175/hr.
  • More inventory — 106 listings vs 28.

Pick the 210 if…

  • Budget matters — from $90,200 vs $104,725, you save ~$14,525.
  • More seats — 6 vs 4.
  • Faster cruise — 160 kts vs 140 kts.
  • Longer range — 700 nm vs 640 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 1960 vs 1956.

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between the Cessna 182 and 210?
The 182 Skylane is a fixed-gear four-seater; the 210 Centurion a retractable six-seater with more speed and payload. The 182 is simpler and cheaper; the 210 carries more and flies faster.
Which is faster?
The 210 — retractable gear and more power give it a notably higher cruise. The 182 trades speed for fixed-gear simplicity.
Which is easier to own?
The 182 — fixed gear keeps maintenance and insurance lower. The 210 adds retractable-gear upkeep for its speed and capacity.
Which is better, Cessna 182 or Cessna 210?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 182 cruises at 140 kts with 640 nm range. The 210 cruises at 160 kts with 700 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 182: from $104,000. Cessna 210: from $159,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 182 and Cessna 210?
182 engine: CONTINENTAL O-470-R (230 hp). 210 engine: CONTINENTAL IO-470-E (260 hp). Seats: 4 vs 6. Cruise: 140 vs 160 kts. Range: 640 vs 700 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
182: about $160/hr variable cost. 210: 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. 210: 6 seats / 1,310 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: 1,700-hour TBO, overhaul ~$32,000. 210: 1,700-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