Cessna 182 vs Mooney M20J
The Cessna 182 Skylane and Mooney M20J are both four-seat cross-country singles with opposite priorities. The high-wing fixed-gear 182 is a roomy, stable hauler built for payload and easy ownership, while the low-wing retractable M20J is famously fast and efficient on modest fuel. This is utility-and-comfort versus speed-and-efficiency.
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Cessna 182 | Mooney M20J |
|---|---|---|
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|
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| Price Range | $14,500 – $875,000 | $59,394 – $266,441 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 230 HP | 200 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 140 kts (259 km/h) | 161 kts (298 km/h) |
| Range | 915 nm (1,695 km) | 820 nm (1,519 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 18,100 ft (5,517 m) | 18,800 ft (5,730 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,100 lbs (1,406 kg) | 2,740 lbs (1,243 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,110 lbs (503 kg) | 900 lbs (408 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 92.0 gal (348 L) | 64.0 gal (242 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 12.5 GPH (47 L/h) | 10.0 GPH (38 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $32,000 | $30,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $20,000 | $18,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $160 | $140 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 182
Mooney M20J
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 182 or Mooney M20J?
Bottom line: Choose the 182 for cabin room, payload, and simple fixed-gear ownership; pick the M20J for impressive speed on low fuel burn and slippery efficiency. Mission decides it—load-haulers and comfort seekers lean Skylane, while efficiency-minded travelers favor the Mooney; condition matters most.
Pick the 182 if…
- Budget matters — from $14,500 vs $59,394, you save ~$44,894.
- Longer range — 915 nm vs 820 nm.
- More inventory — 499 listings vs 54.
Pick the M20J if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$140/hr vs $160/hr.
- Faster cruise — 161 kts vs 140 kts.
- Newer design — production from 1977 vs 1956.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.