Cessna 210 vs Cessna 182
The Cessna 182 Skylane and Cessna 210 Centurion are both high-wing Cessna singles, but the 210 is the bigger step-up machine. The fixed-gear 182 is a stable, simple four-seat hauler, while the retractable 210 carries six seats, more payload, and notably higher speed for serious cross-country flying. This is the natural step-up within the high-wing Cessna line.
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Cessna 210 | Cessna 182 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
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| Price Range | $25,000 – $975,000 | $14,500 – $875,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 300 HP | 230 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 164 kts (304 km/h) | 140 kts (259 km/h) |
| Range | 900 nm (1,667 km) | 915 nm (1,695 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 17,300 ft (5,273 m) | 18,100 ft (5,517 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,800 lbs (1,724 kg) | 3,100 lbs (1,406 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,310 lbs (594 kg) | 1,110 lbs (503 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 90.0 gal (341 L) | 92.0 gal (348 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 14.5 GPH (55 L/h) | 12.5 GPH (47 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,500 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 210
Cessna 182
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 210 or Cessna 182?
Bottom line: Choose the 182 for fixed-gear simplicity, lower operating costs, and easy ownership; pick the 210 for more speed, payload, and seating. Mission and budget decide it—the 210 rewards travelers who need capability, while the 182 wins on value and lower upkeep.
Pick the 210 if…
- More seats — 6 vs 4.
- Faster cruise — 164 kts vs 140 kts.
- Newer design — production from 1960 vs 1956.
Pick the 182 if…
- Budget matters — from $14,500 vs $25,000, you save ~$10,500.
- Lower operating cost — ~$160/hr vs $175/hr.
- Longer range — 915 nm vs 900 nm.
- More inventory — 497 listings vs 175.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.