Cessna 182 vs Piper Seneca

The Piper PA-34 Seneca and Cessna 182 Skylane address a similar mission — four-to-six passengers on IFR touring routes — but they answer the question with fundamentally different propositions. The 182 Skylane is the high-wing fixed-gear single: 230 hp, four seats, and a safety record and maintenance ecosystem that has few equals in light aviation. The Seneca is a twin-engine low-wing aircraft with 200 hp per side, five to six seats, and the redundancy that two engines provide. The buyer who is seriously considering both is at a crossroads: simplicity and low cost versus cabin size and twin-engine peace of mind.

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
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
167
Source marketplaces
21
Model years available
1956–2026
Piper Seneca
For sale now
111
Median asking
$227,990
Range
$89,465–$640,128
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
39
Source marketplaces
11
Model years available
1967–2023

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 140 640 209
182 Continental (late) 1977–1986 O-470-U 3100 142 700 82
T182 Turbo 1981–1986 TIO-540-AK1A 3100 158 970 49
182 Lycoming 1997–now IO-540-AB1A5 3100 145 930 166

Piper Seneca — 0 generations

GenerationYearsEngineMTOWCruiseRangeFor sale

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 182Piper Seneca
All events27792
Serious2490
Fatal5290
Fatalities10000
% Fatal19%0%
View full Cessna 182 NTSB record →View full Piper Seneca NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Cessna 182 Piper Seneca
Cessna 182
View 102 listings →
Median $218,897
 Piper Seneca
View 114 listings →
Median $227,990
Price Range $104,725 – $564,768 $89,465 – $640,128
Category Single Engine Piston Multi Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 4 6
Horsepower 230–235 HP 220 HP
Cruise Speed 140–158 kts (293 km/h) 180 kts (333 km/h)
Range 640–970 nm (1,796 km) 750 nm (1,389 km)
Service Ceiling 18,100 ft (5,517 m) 25,000 ft (7,620 m)
Max Gross Weight 2650–3,100 lbs (1,406 kg) 4,750 lbs (2,155 kg)
Useful Load 1,110 lbs (503 kg) 1,590 lbs (721 kg)
Fuel Capacity 92.0 gal (348 L) 123.0 gal (466 L)
Fuel Burn 12.5 GPH (47 L/h) 22.0 GPH (83 L/h)
TBO 1,700 hrs 1,800 hrs
Overhaul Cost $32,000 $40,000
Annual Fixed $20,000 $25,000
Hourly Variable $160 $280
Engines 1 x Piston 2 x Piston (Turbocharged)

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Cessna 182

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

Piper Seneca

Fuel$121/hr
Variable$280/hr
Annual Fixed$25,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $81,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Cessna 182 or Piper Seneca?

Bottom line: Choose the 182 Skylane for the lowest total ownership cost and the cleanest, most risk-free operating model — ~11 gph, a massive maintenance base, fixed gear, and no multi-engine currency to maintain. For four people on trips under 600 nm, the 182 handles the mission without the additional complexity or cost the Seneca imposes. Choose the Seneca when six seats, Part 135 twin-engine requirements, or the psychological and practical redundancy of two engines changes the risk calculation. The Seneca V still in production provides modern avionics and genuine twin-engine operational security. Safety axis: the Seneca's twin advantage is most meaningful over water, at night in IMC over unsurvivable terrain, or in commercial operations where charter regulations specify twin-engine aircraft. For VFR day local flying, the 182's fixed gear and simpler systems represent a lower-risk profile for occasional pilots. The twin only earns its safety premium through proper training currency.

Pick the 182 if…

  • Lower operating cost — ~$160/hr vs $280/hr.

Pick the Seneca if…

  • Budget matters — from $89,465 vs $104,725, you save ~$15,260.
  • More seats — 6 vs 4.
  • Faster cruise — 180 kts vs 140 kts.
  • Longer range — 750 nm vs 640 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 1972 vs 1956.
  • More inventory — 114 listings vs 102.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Piper Seneca V still the only twin-engine piston in production?
As of recent years, the Piper Seneca V is one of the very few light piston twin-engine aircraft in new production worldwide — the Diamond DA42 Twin Star (twin diesel) is the other significant active production twin in the light class. The cessation of Beechcraft Baron new-production (Textron focuses on turboprops and other types for Baron's market) has left the Seneca V and DA42 as the primary twin-piston options. Buyers wanting a new light twin have limited choices.
What is the typical useful load comparison between the 182 and Seneca V?
A typical 182T carries approximately 870–1,000 lb useful load; the Seneca V carries approximately 1,100–1,200 lb in standard configuration. The Seneca V's higher useful load allows five adults and baggage on missions where a full-fuel 182 is tighter on weight. The Seneca V's larger cabin is also more comfortable for five adults than the 182's four-seat interior.
Does the 182 have autopilot for IFR flight?
Yes, most IFR-equipped 182s have some form of autopilot installed, ranging from vintage Cessna/King autopilots to modern Garmin GFC 500/700 STCs. The GFC 500 retrofit is particularly popular on older 182s — it brings modern flight director, autopilot, and ESP (Electronic Stability and Protection) to the platform. The Seneca V new deliveries include Garmin G1000 NXi with GFC 700 autopilot as standard.
Which is better, Cessna 182 or Piper Seneca?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 182 cruises at 140 kts with 640 nm range. The Seneca cruises at 180 kts with 750 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 182: from $110,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 182 and Piper Seneca?
182 engine: CONTINENTAL O-470-R (230 hp). Seats: 4 vs 6. Cruise: 140 vs 180 kts. Range: 640 vs 750 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
182: about $160/hr variable cost. Seneca: about $280/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. Seneca: 6 seats / 1,590 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. Seneca: 1,800-hour TBO, overhaul ~$40,000. 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