Cessna 182M vs Cessna 172
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna 182M | Cessna 172 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $99,900 – $174,900 | $27,900 – $589,500 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 230 HP | 180 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 140 kts (259 km/h) | 122 kts (226 km/h) |
| Range | 915 nm (1,695 km) | 640 nm (1,185 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 12,500 lbs (5,670 kg) | 2,550 lbs (1,157 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,110 lbs (503 kg) | 878 lbs (398 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 56.0 gal (212 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 12.0 GPH (45 L/h) | 8.6 GPH (33 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,500 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $30,000 | $30,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $18,000 | $18,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $130 | $130 |
| Engines | 1 x Reciprocating | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 182M
Fuel$66/hr
Variable$130/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$44,000/yr
Cessna 172
Fuel$47/hr
Variable$130/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$44,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 182M or Cessna 172?
Pick the 182M if…
- Faster cruise — 140 kts vs 122 kts.
- Longer range — 915 nm vs 640 nm.
Pick the 172 if…
- Budget matters — from $27,900 vs $99,900, you save ~$72,000.
- More inventory — 414 listings vs 5.
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 182M or Cessna 172?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 182M cruises at 140 kts with 915 nm range.
The 172 cruises at 122 kts with 640 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 182M: from $99,900.
Cessna 172: from $179,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 182M and Cessna 172?
172 engine: Continental O-300 (180 hp).
Cruise: 140 vs 122 kts.
Range: 915 vs 640 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
182M: about $130/hr variable cost.
172: about $130/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?
182M: 4 seats / 1,110 lb useful load.
172: 4 seats / 878 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?
182M: 1,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$30,000.
172: 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