Cessna A185E vs Cessna 206
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna A185E | Cessna 206 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $265,000 – $350,000 | $139,000 – $1,295,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 300 HP | 300 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 145 kts (269 km/h) | 142 kts (263 km/h) |
| Range | 720 nm (1,333 km) | 840 nm (1,556 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 15,700 ft (4,785 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 12,500 lbs (5,670 kg) | 3,600 lbs (1,633 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,440 lbs (653 kg) | 1,400 lbs (635 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 92.0 gal (348 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 14.0 GPH (53 L/h) | 14.5 GPH (55 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,700 hrs | 1,500 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $35,000 | $35,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $22,000 | $22,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $160 | $175 |
| Engines | 1 x Reciprocating | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna A185E
Fuel$77/hr
Variable$160/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$54,000/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 A185E or Cessna 206?
Pick the A185E if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$160/hr vs $175/hr.
- Faster cruise — 145 kts vs 142 kts.
- Newer design — production from 1971 vs 1964.
Pick the 206 if…
- Budget matters — from $139,000 vs $265,000, you save ~$126,000.
- Longer range — 840 nm vs 720 nm.
- More inventory — 168 listings vs 2.
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 A185E or Cessna 206?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The A185E cruises at 145 kts with 720 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 A185E: from $265,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna A185E and Cessna 206?
A185E engine: Continental IO-520-D (300 hp).
206 engine: Lycoming IO-540-AC1A5 (300 hp).
Cruise: 145 vs 142 kts.
Range: 720 vs 840 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
A185E: about $160/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?
A185E: 6 seats / 1,440 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?
A185E: 1,700-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