Cessna P206 vs Cessna 185
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna P206 | Cessna 185 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $189,000 – $305,000 | $160,000 – $899,500 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 300 HP | 300 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 142 kts (263 km/h) | 145 kts (269 km/h) |
| Range | 840 nm (1,556 km) | 720 nm (1,333 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 17,150 ft (5,227 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 12,500 lbs (5,670 kg) | 3,350 lbs (1,520 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,400 lbs (635 kg) | 1,440 lbs (653 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 84.0 gal (318 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 14.0 GPH (53 L/h) | 15.5 GPH (59 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,800 hrs | 2,000 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 P206
Fuel$77/hr
Variable$160/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$54,000/yr
Cessna 185
Fuel$85/hr
Variable$175/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$57,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna P206 or Cessna 185?
Pick the P206 if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$160/hr vs $175/hr.
- Longer range — 840 nm vs 720 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1965 vs 1961.
Pick the 185 if…
- Budget matters — from $160,000 vs $189,000, you save ~$29,000.
- Faster cruise — 145 kts vs 142 kts.
- More inventory — 69 listings vs 4.
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 P206 or Cessna 185?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The P206 cruises at 142 kts with 840 nm range.
The 185 cruises at 145 kts with 720 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna P206: from $240,000.
Cessna 185: from $175,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna P206 and Cessna 185?
P206 engine: Lycoming IO-540-AC1A (300 hp).
185 engine: Continental IO-470-F (300 hp).
Cruise: 142 vs 145 kts.
Range: 840 vs 720 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
P206: about $160/hr variable cost.
185: 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?
P206: 6 seats / 1,400 lb useful load.
185: 6 seats / 1,440 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?
P206: 1,800-hour TBO, overhaul ~$35,000.
185: 2,000-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