Cessna 182R vs Piper Cherokee

Full Specs Comparison

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Spec / Model Cessna 182R Piper Cherokee
Cessna 182R
View 16 listings →
Median $240,000
Piper Cherokee
View 631 listings →
Median $112,000
Price Range $139,950 – $485,000 $9,800 – $699,000
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 4 4
Horsepower 230 HP 150 HP
Cruise Speed 140 kts (259 km/h) 117 kts (217 km/h)
Range 915 nm (1,695 km) 525 nm (972 km)
Service Ceiling 14,300 ft (4,359 m)
Max Gross Weight 12,500 lbs (5,670 kg) 2,150 lbs (975 kg)
Useful Load 1,110 lbs (503 kg) 850 lbs (386 kg)
Fuel Capacity 50.0 gal (189 L)
Fuel Burn 12.0 GPH (45 L/h) 8.0 GPH (30 L/h)
TBO 2,000 hrs 2,000 hrs
Overhaul Cost $32,000 $28,000
Annual Fixed $20,000 $16,000
Hourly Variable $160 $120
Engines 1 x Reciprocating 1 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Cessna 182R

Fuel$66/hr
Variable$160/hr
Annual Fixed$20,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $52,000/yr

Piper Cherokee

Fuel$44/hr
Variable$120/hr
Annual Fixed$16,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $40,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Cessna 182R or Piper Cherokee?

Pick the 182R if…

  • Faster cruise — 140 kts vs 117 kts.
  • Longer range — 915 nm vs 525 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 1982 vs 1961.

Pick the Cherokee if…

  • Budget matters — from $9,800 vs $139,950, you save ~$130,150.
  • Lower operating cost — ~$120/hr vs $160/hr.
  • More inventory — 631 listings vs 16.

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 182R or Piper Cherokee?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 182R cruises at 140 kts with 915 nm range. The Cherokee cruises at 117 kts with 525 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 182R: from $485,000. Piper Cherokee: from $115,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 182R and Piper Cherokee?
Cruise: 140 vs 117 kts. Range: 915 vs 525 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
182R: about $160/hr variable cost. Cherokee: about $120/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?
182R: 4 seats / 1,110 lb useful load. Cherokee: 4 seats / 850 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?
182R: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$32,000. Cherokee: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$28,000. 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