Cessna A185F vs Cessna 180
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna A185F | Cessna 180 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $190,000 – $899,500 | $100,000 – $399,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 300 HP | 230 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 145 kts (269 km/h) | 140 kts (259 km/h) |
| Range | 720 nm (1,333 km) | 700 nm (1,296 km) |
| Max Gross Weight | 12,500 lbs (5,670 kg) | 12,500 lbs (5,670 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,440 lbs (653 kg) | 1,400 lbs (635 kg) |
| Fuel Burn | 15.5 GPH (59 L/h) | 12.0 GPH (45 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $35,000 | $30,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $22,000 | $18,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $175 | $155 |
| Engines | 1 x Reciprocating | 1 x Reciprocating |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna A185F
Fuel$85/hr
Variable$175/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$57,000/yr
Cessna 180
Fuel$66/hr
Variable$155/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$49,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna A185F or Cessna 180?
Pick the A185F if…
- More seats — 6 vs 4.
- Faster cruise — 145 kts vs 140 kts.
- Longer range — 720 nm vs 700 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1973 vs 1953.
Pick the 180 if…
- Budget matters — from $100,000 vs $190,000, you save ~$90,000.
- Lower operating cost — ~$155/hr vs $175/hr.
- More inventory — 50 listings vs 28.
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 A185F or Cessna 180?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The A185F cruises at 145 kts with 720 nm range.
The 180 cruises at 140 kts with 700 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna A185F: from $325,000.
Cessna 180: from $189,900.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna A185F and Cessna 180?
A185F engine: Continental IO-520-D (300 hp).
180 engine: Continental O-470-K (230 hp).
Seats: 6 vs 4.
Cruise: 145 vs 140 kts.
Range: 720 vs 700 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
A185F: about $175/hr variable cost.
180: about $155/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?
A185F: 6 seats / 1,440 lb useful load.
180: 4 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?
A185F: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$35,000.
180: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$30,000.
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