Cessna 182T vs Piper Malibu

Full Specs Comparison

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Spec / Model Cessna 182T Piper Malibu
View 102 listings →
Median $384,500
Piper Malibu
View 303 listings →
Median $940,000
Price Range $169,950 – $870,000 $221,331 – $4,582,731
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 4 6
Horsepower 235 HP 310 HP
Cruise Speed 152 kts (282 km/h) 198 kts (367 km/h)
Range 885 nm (1,639 km) 1,300 nm (2,408 km)
Service Ceiling 25,000 ft (7,620 m)
Max Gross Weight 12,500 lbs (5,670 kg) 4,100 lbs (1,860 kg)
Useful Load 1,050 lbs (476 kg) 1,200 lbs (544 kg)
Fuel Capacity 120.0 gal (454 L)
Fuel Burn 13.0 GPH (49 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 Reciprocating 1 x Piston (Turbocharged)

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Cessna 182T

Fuel$72/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 182T or Piper Malibu?

Pick the 182T if…

  • Budget matters — from $169,950 vs $221,331, you save ~$51,381.
  • Lower operating cost — ~$160/hr vs $190/hr.
  • Newer design — production from 2001 vs 1984.

Pick the Malibu if…

  • More seats — 6 vs 4.
  • Faster cruise — 198 kts vs 152 kts.
  • Longer range — 1300 nm vs 885 nm.
  • More inventory — 303 listings vs 102.

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 182T or Piper Malibu?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 182T cruises at 152 kts with 885 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 182T: from $619,999. 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 182T and Piper Malibu?
Seats: 4 vs 6. Cruise: 152 vs 198 kts. Range: 885 vs 1300 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
182T: 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?
182T: 4 seats / 1,050 lb useful load. 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?
182T: 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