Cessna 185 vs Maule M-7
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle
Cessna 185
- For sale now
- 70
- Median asking
- $280,000
- Range
- $189,000–$429,900
- Model years available
- 1961–1985
Maule M-7
No active listings right now.
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 185 | Maule M-7 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 476 | 75 |
| Serious | 23 | 5 |
| Fatal | 43 | 5 |
| Fatalities | 93 | 8 |
| % Fatal | 9% | 7% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna 185 | Maule M-7 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $189,000 – $429,900 | $250,191 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 300 HP | 235 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 145 kts (269 km/h) | — |
| Range | 720 nm (1,333 km) | — |
| Service Ceiling | 17,150 ft (5,227 m) | 20,000 ft (6,096 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,350 lbs (1,520 kg) | — |
| Useful Load | 1,440 lbs (653 kg) | — |
| Fuel Capacity | 84.0 gal (318 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 15.5 GPH (59 L/h) | — |
| TBO | 1,700 hrs | — |
| Overhaul Cost | $35,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $22,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $175 | — |
| 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
Maule M-7
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 185 or Maule M-7?
Pick the 185 if…
- Budget matters — from $189,000 vs $250,191, you save ~$61,191.
- More seats — 6 vs 4.
- More inventory — 19 listings vs 1.
Pick the M-7 if…
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 Maule M-7?
It depends on your mission and budget.
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?
Maule M-7: from $250,191.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 185 and Maule M-7?
185 engine: CONTINENTAL IO-470-F (300 hp).
Seats: 6 vs 4.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
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?
185: 6 seats / 1,440 lb useful load.
M-7: 4 seats.
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: 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 re-checked on a rolling cycle — most within a few days · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data