Cessna 210 vs Piper Saratoga

The Cessna 210 Centurion and the Piper Saratoga are two six-seat high-performance singles — the high-wing, retractable 210 and the low-wing Saratoga. The 210 offers high-wing visibility and retractable speed; the Saratoga a comfortable low-wing cabin with club seating. Where each trades now is below.

Live Market Snapshot

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

Cessna 210
For sale now
177
Median asking
$249,750
Range
$90,200–$695,000
Model years available
1960–2021
Piper Saratoga
For sale now
170
Median asking
$226,400
Range
$115,250–$495,525
Model years available
1965–2007

Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.

Generations Breakdown

Per-generation specs — engine/weight/performance differ materially across production eras.

Per-era “For sale” counts exclude listings with unspecified year and separate variants (RG retractable, Hawk XP), so they may not sum to the total above.

Cessna 210 — 4 generations

GenerationYearsEngineMTOWCruiseRangeFor sale
210 IO-470 (260hp) 1960–1963 IO-470-E 2900 160 700 29
210 IO-520 (NA) 1964–1986 IO-520-A/L 3800 171 900 47
T210 Turbo 1966–1986 TSIO-520-R 3800 193 950 58
P210 Pressurized 1978–1986 TSIO-520-P 4000 200 1000 57

Piper Saratoga — 0 generations

GenerationYearsEngineMTOWCruiseRangeFor sale

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 210Piper Saratoga
All events8191
Serious640
Fatal1920
Fatalities4130
% Fatal23%0%
View full Cessna 210 NTSB record →View full Piper Saratoga NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Cessna 210 Piper Saratoga
Cessna 210
View 28 listings →
Median $249,750
 Piper Saratoga
View 121 listings →
Median $226,400
Price Range $90,200 – $695,000 $115,250 – $495,525
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 6 6
Horsepower 260–325 HP 300 HP
Cruise Speed 160–200 kts (370 km/h) 163 kts (302 km/h)
Range 700–1,000 nm (1,852 km) 950 nm (1,759 km)
Service Ceiling 17,300 ft (5,273 m) 20,000 ft (6,096 m)
Max Gross Weight 2900–4,000 lbs (1,814 kg) 3,600 lbs (1,633 kg)
Useful Load 1,310 lbs (594 kg) 1,360 lbs (617 kg)
Fuel Capacity 90.0 gal (341 L) 102.0 gal (386 L)
Fuel Burn 14.5 GPH (55 L/h) 15.0 GPH (57 L/h)
TBO 1,700 hrs 2,000 hrs
Overhaul Cost $35,000 $32,000
Annual Fixed $22,000 $20,000
Hourly Variable $175 $170
Engines 1 x Piston 1 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Cessna 210

Fuel$80/hr
Variable$175/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $57,000/yr

Piper Saratoga

Fuel$82/hr
Variable$170/hr
Annual Fixed$20,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $54,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Cessna 210 or Piper Saratoga?

Bottom line: Choose the 210 Centurion for speed and visibility — retractable gear, a high cruise, six seats and the high-wing sight picture. Choose the Saratoga for a comfortable low-wing six-seater — a roomy cabin, club seating and easy family loading. On safety both are capable six-seaters; the 210 asks for retractable-gear discipline, while the choice is otherwise wing layout and feel, not safety. Fast high-wing retractable, or comfortable low-wing hauler.

Pick the 210 if…

  • Budget matters — from $90,200 vs $115,250, you save ~$25,050.

Pick the Saratoga if…

  • Lower operating cost — ~$170/hr vs $175/hr.
  • Faster cruise — 163 kts vs 160 kts.
  • Longer range — 950 nm vs 700 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 1980 vs 1960.
  • More inventory — 121 listings vs 28.

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 210 and Piper Saratoga?
The 210 Centurion is a high-wing, retractable six-seater; the Saratoga a low-wing six-seater (fixed or retractable variants). The 210 favours speed and visibility; the Saratoga comfort and easy loading.
Which is faster?
Typically the retractable 210 — its high-wing, retractable design gives strong cruise. The Saratoga trades some speed for a roomy, comfortable cabin.
Which has the more comfortable cabin?
The Saratoga — a roomy low-wing cabin with club seating. The 210 carries six with a strong load and high-wing visibility.
Which is better, Cessna 210 or Piper Saratoga?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 210 cruises at 160 kts with 700 nm range. The Saratoga cruises at 163 kts with 950 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 210: from $159,000. Piper Saratoga: from $397,326. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 210 and Piper Saratoga?
210 engine: CONTINENTAL IO-470-E (260 hp). Cruise: 160 vs 163 kts. Range: 700 vs 950 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
210: about $175/hr variable cost. Saratoga: about $170/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. Saratoga: 6 seats / 1,360 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: 1,700-hour TBO, overhaul ~$35,000. Saratoga: 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