Cessna 182 vs Tecnam P2010
The P2010 and Cessna 182 compare a modern four-seat high-wing against the heavier-hauling certified Skylane.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle
Cessna 182
- For sale now
- 551
- Median asking
- $201,414
- Range
- $109,000–$549,000
- Model years available
- 1956–2026
Tecnam P2010
- For sale now
- 31
- Median asking
- $504,938
- Range
- $299,000–$682,080
- Model years available
- 2015–2026
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
| Generation | Years | Engine | MTOW | Cruise | Range | For sale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 182 Continental (early) | 1956–1976 | O-470-L/R | 2650 | 140 | 640 | 217 |
| 182 Continental (late) | 1977–1986 | O-470-U | 3100 | 142 | 700 | 87 |
| T182 Turbo | 1981–1986 | TIO-540-AK1A | 3100 | 158 | 970 | 47 |
| 182 Lycoming | 1997–now | IO-540-AB1A5 | 3100 | 145 | 930 | 145 |
Tecnam P2010 — 0 generations
| Generation | Years | Engine | MTOW | Cruise | Range | For 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 182 | Tecnam P2010 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 2779 | 3 |
| Serious | 249 | 1 |
| Fatal | 529 | 0 |
| Fatalities | 1000 | 0 |
| % Fatal | 19% | 0% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna 182 | Tecnam P2010 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $109,000 – $549,000 | $299,000 – $682,080 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 230–235 HP | 180 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 140–158 kts (293 km/h) | 140 kts (259 km/h) |
| Range | 640–970 nm (1,796 km) | 720 nm (1,333 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 18,100 ft (5,517 m) | 15,000 ft (4,572 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2650–3,100 lbs (1,406 kg) | 2,557 lbs (1,160 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,110 lbs (503 kg) | 850 lbs (386 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 92.0 gal (348 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 12.5 GPH (47 L/h) | 9.0 GPH (34 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,700 hrs | — |
| Overhaul Cost | $32,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $20,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $160 | — |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 182
Fuel$69/hr
Variable$160/hr
Annual Fixed$20,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$52,000/yr
Tecnam P2010
Fuel$50/hr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 182 or Tecnam P2010?
Bottom line: Choose the Cessna 182 for more payload and a proven heavy-hauler reputation; choose the P2010 for a newer airframe, modern avionics and lower running costs (especially diesel). 182 = payload/ proven; P2010 = modern/economy.
Pick the 182 if…
- Budget matters — from $109,000 vs $299,000, you save ~$190,000.
- More inventory — 100 listings vs 10.
Pick the P2010 if…
- Longer range — 720 nm vs 640 nm.
- Newer design — production from 2014 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 key difference between the Tecnam P2010 and Cessna 182?
Modern European four-seater vs proven American classic. The Cessna 182 (IO-540-AB1A5, 230 hp, 4 seats, high-wing aluminium, ~140 kt) is the benchmark four-seat touring aircraft with decades of support. The Tecnam P2010 (Lycoming IO-360-M1A, ~180 hp, 4 seats, composite-and-metal, high-wing, ~140 kt) is a modern Italian design — updated avionics, lighter airframe, similar mission but a smaller engine.
Tecnam P2010 or Cessna 182 — which four-seater?
Buy the 182 if: the world's most supported four-seat piston aircraft, 230 hp useful load, and high-wing visibility are the priority. Buy the Tecnam P2010 if: modern construction, updated factory avionics, and a lighter, more refined Italian design appeal — accepting a smaller North American support network.
What practical payload difference does 230 hp vs 180 hp make?
The 182's 230 hp IO-540 delivers meaningfully more useful load — able to carry four adults with fuel and bags in conditions where the lighter P2010 may require trade-offs. For full-fuel four-adult flying, the 182's power and structural margin are advantageous; the P2010 counters with lower fuel burn on lighter missions.
How do specs compare?
Cessna 182T: IO-540-AB1A5 (230 hp), 4 seats, high-wing aluminium, ~140 kt. Tecnam P2010: IO-360-M1A (~180 hp), 4 seats, high-wing composite-and-metal, ~140 kt.
Which is cheaper to operate?
The P2010's smaller IO-360 burns less fuel. However, Tecnam's North American parts and service network is significantly smaller than the 182's. For owners in North America, 182 maintenance is simpler and more predictable; in Italy and Europe, Tecnam support is stronger.
Which should I buy?
Cessna 182 for the most supported four-seat touring aircraft with 230 hp useful load. Tecnam P2010 for modern design and updated avionics — in markets where Tecnam support is strong.
Which is better, Cessna 182 or Tecnam P2010?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 182 cruises at 140 kts with 640 nm range.
The P2010 cruises at 140 kts with 720 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 182: from $199,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 182 and Tecnam P2010?
182 engine: CONTINENTAL O-470-R (230 hp).
Cruise: 140 vs 140 kts.
Range: 640 vs 720 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
182: about $160/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.
P2010: 4 seats / 850 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.
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 re-checked on a rolling cycle — most within a few days · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data