Cessna 182E vs Mooney M20J
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna 182E | Mooney M20J |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $40,000 – $300,000 | $59,410 – $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 | — | 18,800 ft (5,730 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 12,500 lbs (5,670 kg) | 2,740 lbs (1,243 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,110 lbs (503 kg) | 900 lbs (408 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 64.0 gal (242 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 12.0 GPH (45 L/h) | 10.0 GPH (38 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,500 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $30,000 | $30,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $18,000 | $18,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $130 | $140 |
| Engines | 1 x Reciprocating | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 182E
Fuel$66/hr
Variable$130/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$44,000/yr
Mooney M20J
Fuel$55/hr
Variable$140/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$46,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 182E or Mooney M20J?
Pick the 182E if…
- Budget matters — from $40,000 vs $59,410, you save ~$19,410.
- Lower operating cost — ~$130/hr vs $140/hr.
- Longer range — 915 nm vs 820 nm.
Pick the M20J if…
- Faster cruise — 161 kts vs 140 kts.
- Newer design — production from 1977 vs 1965.
- More inventory — 54 listings vs 6.
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 182E or Mooney M20J?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 182E cruises at 140 kts with 915 nm range.
The M20J cruises at 161 kts with 820 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 182E: from $156,000.
Mooney M20J: from $165,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 182E and Mooney M20J?
M20J engine: Lycoming O-320 (200 hp).
Cruise: 140 vs 161 kts.
Range: 915 vs 820 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
182E: about $130/hr variable cost.
M20J: about $140/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?
182E: 4 seats / 1,110 lb useful load.
M20J: 4 seats / 900 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?
182E: 1,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$30,000.
M20J: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$30,000.
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