Cessna 210 vs Cessna 206
The Cessna 206 Stationair (six-seat fixed-gear utility, ~140-150 kt) and Cessna 210 Centurion (six-seat retractable, ~180-190 kt) are direct six-seat Cessna competitors — same cabin size, different gear and different mission.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna 210 | Cessna 206 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $25,000 – $975,000 | $139,000 – $1,295,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 300 HP | 300 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 164 kts (304 km/h) | 142 kts (263 km/h) |
| Range | 900 nm (1,667 km) | 840 nm (1,556 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 17,300 ft (5,273 m) | 15,700 ft (4,785 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,800 lbs (1,724 kg) | 3,600 lbs (1,633 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,310 lbs (594 kg) | 1,400 lbs (635 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 90.0 gal (341 L) | 92.0 gal (348 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 14.5 GPH (55 L/h) | 14.5 GPH (55 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,500 hrs | 1,500 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $35,000 | $35,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $22,000 | $22,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $175 | $175 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 210
Fuel$80/hr
Variable$175/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$57,000/yr
Cessna 206
Fuel$80/hr
Variable$175/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$57,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 210 or Cessna 206?
Bottom line: Choose the 206 for fixed-gear simplicity, the cargo double door and rough-field utility — the working six-seater. Choose the 210 for ~40 kt more cruise and retractable efficiency — the cross-country six-seater.
Pick the 210 if…
- Budget matters — from $25,000 vs $139,000, you save ~$114,000.
- Faster cruise — 164 kts vs 142 kts.
- Longer range — 900 nm vs 840 nm.
- More inventory — 171 listings vs 160.
Pick the 206 if…
- Newer design — production from 1964 vs 1960.
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 210 or Cessna 206?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 210 cruises at 164 kts with 900 nm range.
The 206 cruises at 142 kts with 840 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 210: from $254,900.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 210 and Cessna 206?
210 engine: Continental IO-470-E (300 hp).
206 engine: Lycoming IO-540-AC1A5 (300 hp).
Cruise: 164 vs 142 kts.
Range: 900 vs 840 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
210: about $175/hr variable cost.
206: 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?
210: 6 seats / 1,310 lb useful load.
206: 6 seats / 1,400 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?
210: 1,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$35,000.
206: 1,500-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