Cessna 182P Skylane vs Piper Malibu

Full Specs Comparison

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Spec / Model Cessna 182P SKYLANE Piper Malibu
Cessna 182P Skylane
View 1 listings →
Median $221,210
Piper Malibu
View 303 listings →
Median $940,000
Price Range $218,883 – $223,538 $221,331 – $4,582,731
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 4 6
Horsepower 230 HP 310 HP
Cruise Speed 140 kts (259 km/h) 198 kts (367 km/h)
Range 705 nm (1,306 km) 1,300 nm (2,408 km)
Service Ceiling 14,800 ft (4,511 m) 25,000 ft (7,620 m)
Max Gross Weight 2,950 lbs (1,338 kg) 4,100 lbs (1,860 kg)
Useful Load 1,200 lbs (544 kg)
Fuel Capacity 79.0 gal (299 L) 120.0 gal (454 L)
Fuel Burn 12.0 GPH (45 L/h) 16.0 GPH (61 L/h)
TBO 2,000 hrs 2,000 hrs
Overhaul Cost $32,000 $35,000
Annual Fixed $20,000 $22,000
Hourly Variable $160 $190
Engines 1 x Piston 1 x Piston (Turbocharged)

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

Piper Malibu

Fuel$88/hr
Variable$190/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $60,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Cessna 182P Skylane or Piper Malibu?

Pick the 182P Skylane if…

  • Budget matters — from $218,883 vs $221,331, you save ~$2,448.
  • Lower operating cost — ~$160/hr vs $190/hr.

Pick the Malibu if…

  • More seats — 6 vs 4.
  • Faster cruise — 198 kts vs 140 kts.
  • Longer range — 1300 nm vs 705 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 1984 vs 1972.
  • More inventory — 303 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 Piper Malibu?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 182P SKYLANE cruises at 140 kts with 705 nm range. The Malibu cruises at 198 kts with 1,300 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 182P SKYLANE: from $218,883. Piper Malibu: from $630,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 182P Skylane and Piper Malibu?
182P Skylane engine: Continental O-470-R;O-470S (230 hp). Seats: 4 vs 6. Cruise: 140 vs 198 kts. Range: 705 vs 1300 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
182P Skylane: about $160/hr variable cost. Malibu: about $190/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. Malibu: 6 seats / 1,200 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. Malibu: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$35,000. 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