Cessna P210 vs Cessna 182
The Cessna 182 Skylane and Cessna P210 are both high-wing Cessna singles, but with very different ceilings. The fixed-gear 182 is a simple, durable four-seat cross-country machine, while the pressurized, retractable-gear P210 cruises high and fast above much of the weather. This pairs proven simplicity against pressurized capability.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna P210 | Cessna 182 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
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| Price Range | $180,000 – $975,000 | $14,500 – $875,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 310 HP | 230 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 180 kts (333 km/h) | 140 kts (259 km/h) |
| Range | 850 nm (1,574 km) | 915 nm (1,695 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 23,000 ft (7,010 m) | 18,100 ft (5,517 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 4,000 lbs (1,814 kg) | 3,100 lbs (1,406 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,200 lbs (544 kg) | 1,110 lbs (503 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 90.0 gal (341 L) | 92.0 gal (348 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 16.0 GPH (61 L/h) | 12.5 GPH (47 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,400 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $35,000 | $32,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $22,000 | $20,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $190 | $160 |
| 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 182
Fuel$69/hr
Variable$160/hr
Annual Fixed$20,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$52,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna P210 or Cessna 182?
Bottom line: Choose the 182 for lower costs, fixed-gear simplicity, and easy ownership; pick the P210 for pressurized high-altitude comfort, faster cruise, and weather-topping range. Budget, mission altitude, and maintenance appetite typically decide it.
Pick the P210 if…
- More seats — 6 vs 4.
- Faster cruise — 180 kts vs 140 kts.
- Newer design — production from 1978 vs 1956.
Pick the 182 if…
- Budget matters — from $14,500 vs $180,000, you save ~$165,500.
- Lower operating cost — ~$160/hr vs $190/hr.
- Longer range — 915 nm vs 850 nm.
- More inventory — 516 listings vs 25.
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 182?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The P210 cruises at 180 kts with 850 nm range.
The 182 cruises at 140 kts with 915 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna P210: from $895,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna P210 and Cessna 182?
P210 engine: Continental TSIO-520-R (310 hp).
182 engine: Continental O-470-L (230 hp).
Seats: 6 vs 4.
Cruise: 180 vs 140 kts.
Range: 850 vs 915 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
P210: about $190/hr variable cost.
182: about $160/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.
182: 4 seats / 1,110 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.
182: 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