Cessna 185 vs Cessna 172
The Cessna 185 Skywagon and Cessna 172 Skyhawk are both high-wing Cessnas, but with very different missions. The taildragger 185 is a rugged six-seat utility hauler built for floats and backcountry strips, while the tricycle-gear 172 is the world's favorite four-seat trainer. This pairs raw utility against everyday accessibility.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna 185 | Cessna 172 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
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| Price Range | $160,000 – $899,500 | $27,900 – $589,500 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 300 HP | 180 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 145 kts (269 km/h) | 122 kts (226 km/h) |
| Range | 720 nm (1,333 km) | 640 nm (1,185 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 17,150 ft (5,227 m) | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,350 lbs (1,520 kg) | 2,550 lbs (1,157 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,440 lbs (653 kg) | 878 lbs (398 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 84.0 gal (318 L) | 56.0 gal (212 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 15.5 GPH (59 L/h) | 8.6 GPH (33 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $35,000 | $30,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $22,000 | $18,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $175 | $130 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 185
Fuel$85/hr
Variable$175/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$57,000/yr
Cessna 172
Fuel$47/hr
Variable$130/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$44,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 185 or Cessna 172?
Bottom line: Choose the 185 for payload, taildragger toughness, and float and bush capability; pick the 172 for easy handling, low costs, and unmatched parts and support. Mission, tailwheel experience, and budget typically decide it.
Pick the 185 if…
- More seats — 6 vs 4.
- Faster cruise — 145 kts vs 122 kts.
- Longer range — 720 nm vs 640 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1961 vs 1956.
Pick the 172 if…
- Budget matters — from $27,900 vs $160,000, you save ~$132,100.
- Lower operating cost — ~$130/hr vs $175/hr.
- More inventory — 410 listings vs 69.
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 185 or Cessna 172?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 185 cruises at 145 kts with 720 nm range.
The 172 cruises at 122 kts with 640 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 185: from $175,000.
Cessna 172: from $179,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 185 and Cessna 172?
185 engine: Continental IO-470-F (300 hp).
172 engine: Continental O-300 (180 hp).
Seats: 6 vs 4.
Cruise: 145 vs 122 kts.
Range: 720 vs 640 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
185: about $175/hr variable cost.
172: about $130/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?
185: 6 seats / 1,440 lb useful load.
172: 4 seats / 878 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?
185: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$35,000.
172: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$30,000.
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