Cessna 185 vs Cessna 182
The Cessna 185 Skywagon and Cessna 182 Skylane are both four-to-six-seat high-wing Cessnas, but with different missions. The taildragger 185 is a rugged utility hauler built for backcountry strips and floats, while the tricycle-gear 182 is a stable, easy-to-fly cross-country single. This pairs raw utility against everyday usability.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna 185 | Cessna 182 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
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| Price Range | $160,000 – $899,500 | $14,500 – $875,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 300 HP | 230 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 145 kts (269 km/h) | 140 kts (259 km/h) |
| Range | 720 nm (1,333 km) | 915 nm (1,695 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 17,150 ft (5,227 m) | 18,100 ft (5,517 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,350 lbs (1,520 kg) | 3,100 lbs (1,406 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,440 lbs (653 kg) | 1,110 lbs (503 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 84.0 gal (318 L) | 92.0 gal (348 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 15.5 GPH (59 L/h) | 12.5 GPH (47 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $35,000 | $32,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $22,000 | $20,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $175 | $160 |
| 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 182
Fuel$69/hr
Variable$160/hr
Annual Fixed$20,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$52,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 185 or Cessna 182?
Bottom line: Choose the 185 for backcountry capability, taildragger ruggedness, and float and bush versatility; pick the 182 for easier handling, simpler nosewheel operation, and lower-cost ownership. Your mission and tailwheel experience typically decide it.
Pick the 185 if…
- More seats — 6 vs 4.
- Faster cruise — 145 kts vs 140 kts.
- Newer design — production from 1961 vs 1956.
Pick the 182 if…
- Budget matters — from $14,500 vs $160,000, you save ~$145,500.
- Lower operating cost — ~$160/hr vs $175/hr.
- Longer range — 915 nm vs 720 nm.
- More inventory — 490 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 182?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 185 cruises at 145 kts with 720 nm range.
The 182 cruises at 140 kts with 915 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 185: from $175,000.
Cessna 182: from $119,950.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 185 and Cessna 182?
185 engine: Continental IO-470-F (300 hp).
182 engine: Continental O-470-L (230 hp).
Seats: 6 vs 4.
Cruise: 145 vs 140 kts.
Range: 720 vs 915 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
185: about $175/hr variable cost.
182: about $160/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.
182: 4 seats / 1,110 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.
182: 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