Cessna 172 vs Cessna 185

Both aircraft share the Cessna high-wing DNA, but little else. The Cessna 185 Skywagon is a purpose-built utility hauler — a 300 hp Continental IO-520, heavy-duty airframe, and the ability to carry nearly 1,500 lb of useful load in float-equipped or rough-strip configuration. It's Alaska's airplane, the bush pilot's Cessna, a tailwheel machine built for environments where pavement is optional. The 172 Skyhawk is the world's most popular trainer — smooth, docile, and optimized for airports, flight schools, and Sunday afternoon flights to the $100 hamburger. Cross-shoppers arrive from two directions: new pilots wondering if the 185's reputation is worth the premium, and utility operators scanning for the most capable Cessna single they can justify.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily

Cessna 172
For sale now
421
Median asking
$134,231
Range
$61,563–$324,965
Model years available
1956–2026
Cessna 185
For sale now
70
Median asking
$280,000
Range
$189,000–$429,900
Model years available
1961–1985

Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.

Generations Breakdown

Per-generation specs — engine/weight/performance differ materially across production eras.

Per-era “For sale” counts exclude listings with unspecified year and separate variants (RG retractable, Hawk XP), so they may not sum to the total above.

Cessna 172 — 3 generations

GenerationYearsEngineMTOWCruiseRangeFor sale
172 Continental 1956–1967 O-300 2300 118 520 137
172 O-320 150hp 1968–1976 O-320-E2D 2300 120 585 128
172 O-320 160hp 1977–1986 O-320-H2AD/D2J 2400 122 585 103

Cessna 185 — 0 generations

GenerationYearsEngineMTOWCruiseRangeFor sale

Safety Record

Absolute counts scale with fleet size — the most-produced types log more events without being less safe. Compare the % fatal.

NTSB (1982–now)Cessna 172Cessna 185
All events6810476
Serious54223
Fatal96043
Fatalities180293
% Fatal14%9%
View full Cessna 172 NTSB record →View full Cessna 185 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Cessna 172 Cessna 185
Cessna 172
View 163 listings →
Median $134,231
 Cessna 185
View 17 listings →
Median $280,000
Price Range $61,563 – $324,965 $189,000 – $429,900
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 4 6
Horsepower 145–160 HP 300 HP
Cruise Speed 118–122 kts (226 km/h) 145 kts (269 km/h)
Range 520–585 nm (1,083 km) 720 nm (1,333 km)
Service Ceiling 14,000 ft (4,267 m) 17,150 ft (5,227 m)
Max Gross Weight 2300–2,400 lbs (1,089 kg) 3,350 lbs (1,520 kg)
Useful Load 878 lbs (398 kg) 1,440 lbs (653 kg)
Fuel Capacity 56.0 gal (212 L) 84.0 gal (318 L)
Fuel Burn 8.6 GPH (33 L/h) 15.5 GPH (59 L/h)
TBO 1,400 hrs 1,700 hrs
Overhaul Cost $30,000 $35,000
Annual Fixed $18,000 $22,000
Hourly Variable $130 $175
Engines 1 x Piston 1 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Cessna 172

Fuel$47/hr
Variable$130/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $44,000/yr

Cessna 185

Fuel$85/hr
Variable$175/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $57,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Cessna 172 or Cessna 185?

Bottom line: Choose the Skyhawk for training, rental, flight school operations, or any mission where predictable handling, low operating cost, and a massive maintenance base outweigh raw hauling capacity. The 172's gentle stall characteristics and benign crosswind handling make it the right choice for developing pilots and low-stress utility work. Choose the Skywagon when payload, rough-field access, or float/ski operations define the mission. The 185's torque demands better tailwheel discipline — and in tailwheel configuration, a tailwheel endorsement — but rewards the skilled pilot with capability the Skyhawk simply cannot replicate. Safety axis: the Cessna 185 in tailwheel configuration demands respect during ground operations — torque on takeoff roll and the classic groundloop tendency of conventional gear require active rudder discipline absent in the 172's tricycle setup. Float and backcountry operations introduce additional terrain and environment considerations that the Skyhawk's typical mission envelope doesn't encounter.

Pick the 172 if…

  • Budget matters — from $61,563 vs $189,000, you save ~$127,437.
  • Lower operating cost — ~$130/hr vs $175/hr.
  • More inventory — 163 listings vs 17.

Pick the 185 if…

  • More seats — 6 vs 4.
  • Faster cruise — 145 kts vs 118 kts.
  • Longer range — 720 nm vs 518 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 1961 vs 1956.

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Cessna 185 Skywagon a tailwheel aircraft?
Most configurations, yes. The 185 was primarily built with conventional (tailwheel) landing gear, and the overwhelming majority of 185s in operation today are tailwheel aircraft. Tailwheel flying requires a separate endorsement, and the 185 is a demanding tailwheel aircraft due to its high torque — it's not a beginner's first tailwheel. Many experienced Cessna 172 or 182 pilots transition to the 185 but find the ground-handling discipline a significant step up.
Can the Cessna 185 Skywagon carry floats?
Yes, and the float-equipped 185 is legendary in Alaska, Canada, and the Pacific Northwest. The Cessna 185 was one of the most popular light aircraft platforms for straight floats (Edo 2960, Wipaire 3000, and others) and is certified for amphibious float installations. On floats, the 185's 300 hp gives it meaningful performance on water and off — it's widely regarded as the definitive light float aircraft for serious bush work.
How does the Cessna 185 compare to the 172 on operating cost?
The 185 is considerably more expensive to operate. Its Continental IO-520-D burns roughly 15–17 gph at cruise vs the 172's 8–9 gph; TBO is 1,700 hours for the IO-520, and engine overhaul runs substantially higher than the 172's O-320. Annuals on tailwheel aircraft with bush modifications (tundra tires, STOL kits, float fittings) are more labor-intensive. For a pilot who needs the 185's capability, these costs are justified. For one who doesn't, the 172 wins on economics by a wide margin.
Which is better, Cessna 172 or Cessna 185?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 172 cruises at 118 kts with 518 nm range. The 185 cruises at 145 kts with 720 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 172: from $119,900. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 172 and Cessna 185?
172 engine: LYCOMING (180 hp). 185 engine: CONTINENTAL IO-470-F (300 hp). Seats: 4 vs 6. Cruise: 118 vs 145 kts. Range: 518 vs 720 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
172: about $130/hr variable cost. 185: about $175/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?
172: 4 seats / 878 lb useful load. 185: 6 seats / 1,440 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?
172: 1,400-hour TBO, overhaul ~$30,000. 185: 1,700-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