Cessna 180 vs Cessna 185

The Cessna 180 and Cessna 185 Skywagons are the taildragging haulers Cessna built for the backcountry — and 180 vs 185 comes down to how much load and power you need. Both are rugged, tailwheel four-to-six-seaters beloved for bush, float and utility flying. The 180 is the lighter, original Skywagon; the 185 adds more power and useful load for heavier work. Where each sits on the market now is below.

Live Market Snapshot

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

Cessna 180
For sale now
50
Median asking
$180,000
Range
$121,500–$304,430
Model years available
1953–1981
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.

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 180Cessna 185
All events1114476
Serious5123
Fatal8743
Fatalities16693
% Fatal8%9%
View full Cessna 180 NTSB record →View full Cessna 185 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Cessna 180 Cessna 185
Cessna 180
View 26 listings →
Median $180,000
 Cessna 185
View 17 listings →
Median $280,000
Price Range $121,500 – $304,430 $189,000 – $429,900
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 4 6
Horsepower 230 HP 300 HP
Cruise Speed 140 kts (259 km/h) 145 kts (269 km/h)
Range 700 nm (1,296 km) 720 nm (1,333 km)
Service Ceiling 20,000 ft (6,096 m) 17,150 ft (5,227 m)
Max Gross Weight 2,650 lbs (1,202 kg) 3,350 lbs (1,520 kg)
Useful Load 1,400 lbs (635 kg) 1,440 lbs (653 kg)
Fuel Capacity 60.0 gal (227 L) 84.0 gal (318 L)
Fuel Burn 12.0 GPH (45 L/h) 15.5 GPH (59 L/h)
TBO 1,700 hrs 1,700 hrs
Overhaul Cost $30,000 $35,000
Annual Fixed $18,000 $22,000
Hourly Variable $155 $175
Engines 1 x Piston 1 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Cessna 180

Fuel$66/hr
Variable$155/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $49,000/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 180 or Cessna 185?

Bottom line: Choose the 180 for a capable, lighter taildragger — a proven backcountry and float airframe that hauls people and gear into short, rough strips, at a lower cost to buy and run. Choose the 185 when you need more muscle — a stronger engine and higher useful load make it the better hauler for full loads, floats and demanding utility work. On safety both are rugged taildraggers that reward tailwheel proficiency and currency; the 185 simply lifts more, not a safety difference. The 180 is the lighter Skywagon; the 185 is the heavy hauler.

Pick the 180 if…

  • Budget matters — from $121,500 vs $189,000, you save ~$67,500.
  • Lower operating cost — ~$155/hr vs $175/hr.
  • More inventory — 26 listings vs 17.

Pick the 185 if…

  • More seats — 6 vs 4.
  • Faster cruise — 145 kts vs 140 kts.
  • Longer range — 720 nm vs 700 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 1961 vs 1953.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between the Cessna 180 and 185?
Mainly power and payload. The 185 Skywagon has a more powerful engine and higher useful load than the 180, making it the stronger hauler. Both are tailwheel utility singles built on the same rugged design.
Which is better for floats or the backcountry?
Both are favourites, but the 185's extra power and payload give it an edge for heavy loads and float operations. The 180 is lighter and a little cheaper to run.
Do they need tailwheel training?
Yes — both are taildraggers and require tailwheel proficiency and currency. With proper training they're capable, rugged backcountry airplanes.
Which is better, Cessna 180 or Cessna 185?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 180 cruises at 140 kts with 700 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 180: from $399,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 180 and Cessna 185?
180 engine: CONTINENTAL O-470-K (230 hp). 185 engine: CONTINENTAL IO-470-F (300 hp). Seats: 4 vs 6. Cruise: 140 vs 145 kts. Range: 700 vs 720 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
180: about $155/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?
180: 4 seats / 1,400 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?
180: 1,700-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