Cessna P210 vs Cessna 206
The Cessna P210 and Cessna 206 Stationair are both high-wing, six-seat Cessna singles built for very different jobs. The pressurized, retractable P210 cruises high and fast for serious IFR travel, while the fixed-gear 206 is a rugged load-lifter with a big cargo door and float capability. This is pressurized speed versus hauling utility.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna P210 | Cessna 206 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
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| Price Range | $180,000 – $975,000 | $139,000 – $1,295,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 310 HP | 300 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 180 kts (333 km/h) | 142 kts (263 km/h) |
| Range | 850 nm (1,574 km) | 840 nm (1,556 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 23,000 ft (7,010 m) | 15,700 ft (4,785 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 4,000 lbs (1,814 kg) | 3,600 lbs (1,633 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,200 lbs (544 kg) | 1,400 lbs (635 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 90.0 gal (341 L) | 92.0 gal (348 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 16.0 GPH (61 L/h) | 14.5 GPH (55 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,400 hrs | 1,500 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $35,000 | $35,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $22,000 | $22,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $190 | $175 |
| 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 206
Fuel$80/hr
Variable$175/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$57,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna P210 or Cessna 206?
Bottom line: Choose the P210 for pressurized comfort, high cruise, and weather-topping travel; pick the 206 for maximum payload, the cargo door, and float and bush versatility. Mission, maintenance appetite, and condition typically decide it.
Pick the P210 if…
- Faster cruise — 180 kts vs 142 kts.
- Longer range — 850 nm vs 840 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1978 vs 1964.
Pick the 206 if…
- Budget matters — from $139,000 vs $180,000, you save ~$41,000.
- Lower operating cost — ~$175/hr vs $190/hr.
- More inventory — 181 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 206?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The P210 cruises at 180 kts with 850 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 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 206?
P210 engine: Continental TSIO-520-R (310 hp).
206 engine: Lycoming IO-540-AC1A5 (300 hp).
Cruise: 180 vs 142 kts.
Range: 850 vs 840 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
P210: about $190/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?
P210: 6 seats / 1,200 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?
P210: 1,400-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