Cessna P210 vs Cessna 172
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna P210 | Cessna 172 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $180,000 – $975,000 | $27,900 – $589,500 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 310 HP | 180 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 180 kts (333 km/h) | 122 kts (226 km/h) |
| Range | 850 nm (1,574 km) | 640 nm (1,185 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 23,000 ft (7,010 m) | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 4,000 lbs (1,814 kg) | 2,550 lbs (1,157 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,200 lbs (544 kg) | 878 lbs (398 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 90.0 gal (341 L) | 56.0 gal (212 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 16.0 GPH (61 L/h) | 8.6 GPH (33 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,400 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $35,000 | $30,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $22,000 | $18,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $190 | $130 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston (Turbocharged) | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna P210
Fuel$88/hr
Variable$190/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$60,000/yr
Cessna 172
Fuel$47/hr
Variable$130/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$44,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna P210 or Cessna 172?
Pick the P210 if…
- More seats — 6 vs 4.
- Faster cruise — 180 kts vs 122 kts.
- Longer range — 850 nm vs 640 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1978 vs 1956.
Pick the 172 if…
- Budget matters — from $27,900 vs $180,000, you save ~$152,100.
- Lower operating cost — ~$130/hr vs $190/hr.
- More inventory — 410 listings vs 24.
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 P210 or Cessna 172?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The P210 cruises at 180 kts with 850 nm range.
The 172 cruises at 122 kts with 640 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna P210: from $895,000.
Cessna 172: from $179,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna P210 and Cessna 172?
P210 engine: Continental TSIO-520-R (310 hp).
172 engine: Continental O-300 (180 hp).
Seats: 6 vs 4.
Cruise: 180 vs 122 kts.
Range: 850 vs 640 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
P210: about $190/hr variable cost.
172: about $130/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?
P210: 6 seats / 1,200 lb useful load.
172: 4 seats / 878 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?
P210: 1,400-hour TBO, overhaul ~$35,000.
172: 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