Cessna 182 vs Cessna P210
The Cessna 182 Skylane and Cessna P210 are both high-wing Cessna singles, but with very different ceilings. The fixed-gear 182 is a simple, durable four-seat cross-country machine, while the pressurized, retractable-gear P210 cruises high and fast above much of the weather. This pairs proven simplicity against pressurized capability.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna 182 | Cessna P210 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
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| Price Range | $14,500 – $875,000 | $180,000 – $975,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 230 HP | 310 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 140 kts (259 km/h) | 180 kts (333 km/h) |
| Range | 915 nm (1,695 km) | 850 nm (1,574 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 18,100 ft (5,517 m) | 23,000 ft (7,010 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,100 lbs (1,406 kg) | 4,000 lbs (1,814 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,110 lbs (503 kg) | 1,200 lbs (544 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 92.0 gal (348 L) | 90.0 gal (341 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 12.5 GPH (47 L/h) | 16.0 GPH (61 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 1,400 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $32,000 | $35,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $20,000 | $22,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $160 | $190 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston (Turbocharged) |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 182
Fuel$69/hr
Variable$160/hr
Annual Fixed$20,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$52,000/yr
Cessna P210
Fuel$88/hr
Variable$190/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$60,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 182 or Cessna P210?
Bottom line: Choose the 182 for lower costs, fixed-gear simplicity, and easy ownership; pick the P210 for pressurized high-altitude comfort, faster cruise, and weather-topping range. Budget, mission altitude, and maintenance appetite typically decide it.
Pick the 182 if…
- Budget matters — from $14,500 vs $180,000, you save ~$165,500.
- Lower operating cost — ~$160/hr vs $190/hr.
- Longer range — 915 nm vs 850 nm.
- More inventory — 499 listings vs 24.
Pick the P210 if…
- More seats — 6 vs 4.
- Faster cruise — 180 kts vs 140 kts.
- Newer design — production from 1978 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 P210?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 182 cruises at 140 kts with 915 nm range.
The P210 cruises at 180 kts with 850 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna P210: from $792,391.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 182 and Cessna P210?
182 engine: Continental O-470-L (230 hp).
P210 engine: Continental TSIO-520-R (310 hp).
Seats: 4 vs 6.
Cruise: 140 vs 180 kts.
Range: 915 vs 850 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
182: about $160/hr variable cost.
P210: about $190/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.
P210: 6 seats / 1,200 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.
P210: 1,400-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