Cessna 182 vs Cessna 210
The Cessna 182 Skylane and Cessna 210 Centurion are both high-wing Cessna singles, but the 210 is the bigger step-up machine. The fixed-gear 182 is a stable, simple four-seat hauler, while the retractable 210 carries six seats, more payload, and notably higher speed for serious cross-country flying. This is the natural step-up within the high-wing Cessna line.
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Cessna 182 | Cessna 210 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
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| Price Range | $14,500 – $875,000 | $25,000 – $975,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 230 HP | 300 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 140 kts (259 km/h) | 164 kts (304 km/h) |
| Range | 915 nm (1,695 km) | 900 nm (1,667 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 18,100 ft (5,517 m) | 17,300 ft (5,273 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,100 lbs (1,406 kg) | 3,800 lbs (1,724 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 | 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
Cessna 210
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 182 or Cessna 210?
Bottom line: Choose the 182 for fixed-gear simplicity, lower operating costs, and easy ownership; pick the 210 for more speed, payload, and seating. Mission and budget decide it—the 210 rewards travelers who need capability, while the 182 wins on value and lower upkeep.
Pick the 182 if…
- Budget matters — from $14,500 vs $25,000, you save ~$10,500.
- Lower operating cost — ~$160/hr vs $175/hr.
- Longer range — 915 nm vs 900 nm.
- More inventory — 499 listings vs 175.
Pick the 210 if…
- More seats — 6 vs 4.
- Faster cruise — 164 kts vs 140 kts.
- 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.