Cessna 182M vs Piper Saratoga
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna 182M | Piper Saratoga |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $99,900 – $174,900 | $39,900 – $745,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 230 HP | 300 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 140 kts (259 km/h) | 163 kts (302 km/h) |
| Range | 915 nm (1,695 km) | 950 nm (1,759 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 20,000 ft (6,096 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 12,500 lbs (5,670 kg) | 3,600 lbs (1,633 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,110 lbs (503 kg) | 1,360 lbs (617 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 102.0 gal (386 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 12.0 GPH (45 L/h) | 15.0 GPH (57 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,500 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $30,000 | $32,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $18,000 | $20,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $130 | $170 |
| 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
Piper Saratoga
Fuel$82/hr
Variable$170/hr
Annual Fixed$20,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$54,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 182M or Piper Saratoga?
Pick the 182M if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$130/hr vs $170/hr.
Pick the Saratoga if…
- Budget matters — from $39,900 vs $99,900, you save ~$60,000.
- More seats — 6 vs 4.
- Faster cruise — 163 kts vs 140 kts.
- Longer range — 950 nm vs 915 nm.
- More inventory — 167 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 Piper Saratoga?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 182M cruises at 140 kts with 915 nm range.
The Saratoga cruises at 163 kts with 950 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 182M: from $99,900.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 182M and Piper Saratoga?
Seats: 4 vs 6.
Cruise: 140 vs 163 kts.
Range: 915 vs 950 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
182M: about $130/hr variable cost.
Saratoga: about $170/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.
Saratoga: 6 seats / 1,360 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.
Saratoga: 2,000-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 updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data