Cessna 182T vs Piper Saratoga

Full Specs Comparison

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Spec / Model Cessna 182T Piper Saratoga
Cessna 182T
View 103 listings →
Median $390,000
Piper Saratoga
View 168 listings →
Median $219,975
Price Range $50,000 – $870,000 $39,900 – $745,000
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 4 6
Horsepower 235 HP 300 HP
Cruise Speed 152 kts (282 km/h) 163 kts (302 km/h)
Range 885 nm (1,639 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 1,050 lbs (476 kg) 1,360 lbs (617 kg)
Fuel Capacity 102.0 gal (386 L)
Fuel Burn 13.0 GPH (49 L/h) 15.0 GPH (57 L/h)
TBO 2,000 hrs 2,000 hrs
Overhaul Cost $32,000 $32,000
Annual Fixed $20,000 $20,000
Hourly Variable $160 $170
Engines 1 x Reciprocating 1 x Piston

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 Saratoga

Fuel$82/hr
Variable$170/hr
Annual Fixed$20,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $54,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Cessna 182T or Piper Saratoga?

Pick the 182T if…

  • Lower operating cost — ~$160/hr vs $170/hr.
  • Newer design — production from 2001 vs 1980.

Pick the Saratoga if…

  • Budget matters — from $39,900 vs $50,000, you save ~$10,100.
  • More seats — 6 vs 4.
  • Faster cruise — 163 kts vs 152 kts.
  • Longer range — 950 nm vs 885 nm.
  • More inventory — 168 listings vs 103.

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 Saratoga?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 182T cruises at 152 kts with 885 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 182T: from $422,255. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 182T and Piper Saratoga?
Seats: 4 vs 6. Cruise: 152 vs 163 kts. Range: 885 vs 950 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
182T: about $160/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?
182T: 4 seats / 1,050 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?
182T: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$32,000. 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