Cessna 182P Skylane vs Mooney M20J

Full Specs Comparison

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Spec / Model Cessna 182P SKYLANE Mooney M20J
Cessna 182P Skylane
View 1 listings →
Median $221,210
Mooney M20J
View 54 listings →
Median $139,900
Price Range $218,883 – $223,538 $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 705 nm (1,306 km) 820 nm (1,519 km)
Service Ceiling 14,800 ft (4,511 m) 18,800 ft (5,730 m)
Max Gross Weight 2,950 lbs (1,338 kg) 2,740 lbs (1,243 kg)
Useful Load 900 lbs (408 kg)
Fuel Capacity 79.0 gal (299 L) 64.0 gal (242 L)
Fuel Burn 12.0 GPH (45 L/h) 10.0 GPH (38 L/h)
TBO 2,000 hrs 2,000 hrs
Overhaul Cost $32,000 $30,000
Annual Fixed $20,000 $18,000
Hourly Variable $160 $140
Engines 1 x Piston 1 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Cessna 182P SKYLANE

Fuel$66/hr
Variable$160/hr
Annual Fixed$20,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $52,000/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 182P Skylane or Mooney M20J?

Pick the 182P Skylane if…

Pick the M20J if…

  • Budget matters — from $59,410 vs $218,883, you save ~$159,473.
  • Lower operating cost — ~$140/hr vs $160/hr.
  • Faster cruise — 161 kts vs 140 kts.
  • Longer range — 820 nm vs 705 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 1977 vs 1972.
  • More inventory — 54 listings vs 1.

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 182P SKYLANE or Mooney M20J?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 182P SKYLANE cruises at 140 kts with 705 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 182P SKYLANE: from $218,883. 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 182P Skylane and Mooney M20J?
182P Skylane engine: Continental O-470-R;O-470S (230 hp). M20J engine: Lycoming O-320 (200 hp). Cruise: 140 vs 161 kts. Range: 705 vs 820 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
182P Skylane: about $160/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?
182P Skylane: 4 seats. 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?
182P Skylane: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$32,000. 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