Cessna 210 vs Cessna P210

The Cessna 210 Centurion and the Cessna P210 Pressurized Centurion share an airframe and a name, but the P210's pressurization system reframes the aircraft's entire mission envelope. The Cessna 210 (1957–1986) became one of the most successful high-performance singles in general aviation — retractable gear, a cantilever wing from the 210G onward, and Continental IO-520 power producing genuine 165–175 kt cruise in a six-seat cabin. The P210 (1978–1986) added a turbocharger and full cabin pressurization to that airframe: a Continental TSIO-520 engine, a cabin pressurized to approximately 3.5 psi differential, and the ability to cruise above the weather at FL200–FL230 in a shirtsleeve environment without supplemental oxygen. The cross-shop is the oldest trade in pressurized aircraft: is the maintenance overhead of pressurization worth the altitude performance?

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily

Cessna 210
For sale now
177
Median asking
$249,750
Range
$90,200–$695,000
Model years available
1960–2021
Cessna P210
For sale now
25
Median asking
$557,500
Range
$207,750–$956,175
Model years available
1978–1982

Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.

Generations Breakdown

Per-generation specs — engine/weight/performance differ materially across production eras.

Per-era “For sale” counts exclude listings with unspecified year and separate variants (RG retractable, Hawk XP), so they may not sum to the total above.

Cessna 210 — 4 generations

GenerationYearsEngineMTOWCruiseRangeFor sale
210 IO-470 (260hp) 1960–1963 IO-470-E 2900 160 700 30
210 IO-520 (NA) 1964–1986 IO-520-A/L 3800 171 900 51
T210 Turbo 1966–1986 TSIO-520-R 3800 193 950 58
P210 Pressurized 1978–1986 TSIO-520-P 4000 200 1000 59

Cessna P210 — 0 generations

GenerationYearsEngineMTOWCruiseRangeFor sale

Safety Record

Absolute counts scale with fleet size — the most-produced types log more events without being less safe. Compare the % fatal.

NTSB (1982–now)Cessna 210Cessna P210
All events819257
Serious6439
Fatal19273
Fatalities413152
% Fatal23%28%
View full Cessna 210 NTSB record →View full Cessna P210 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Cessna 210 Cessna P210
Cessna 210
View 31 listings →
Median $249,750
 Cessna P210
View 13 listings →
Median $557,500
Price Range $90,200 – $695,000 $207,750 – $956,175
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 6 6
Horsepower 260–325 HP 310 HP
Cruise Speed 160–200 kts (370 km/h) 180 kts (333 km/h)
Range 700–1,000 nm (1,852 km) 850 nm (1,574 km)
Service Ceiling 17,300 ft (5,273 m) 23,000 ft (7,010 m)
Max Gross Weight 2900–4,000 lbs (1,814 kg) 4,000 lbs (1,814 kg)
Useful Load 1,310 lbs (594 kg) 1,200 lbs (544 kg)
Fuel Capacity 90.0 gal (341 L) 90.0 gal (341 L)
Fuel Burn 14.5 GPH (55 L/h) 16.0 GPH (61 L/h)
TBO 1,700 hrs 1,800 hrs
Overhaul Cost $35,000 $35,000
Annual Fixed $22,000 $22,000
Hourly Variable $175 $190
Engines 1 x Piston 1 x Piston (Turbocharged)

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Cessna 210

Fuel$80/hr
Variable$175/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $57,000/yr

Cessna P210

Fuel$88/hr
Variable$190/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $60,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Cessna 210 or Cessna P210?

Bottom line: Choose the Cessna 210 Centurion for lower acquisition cost, simpler systems, and a larger mechanic base — the normally aspirated 210 with a sound Continental IO-520 is a well-understood airplane that any competent GA shop can maintain. For missions at or below 12,000 feet and under 400 nm, the 210 does everything the P210 does at lower total cost of ownership. Choose the Cessna P210 when cabin altitude management is the deciding factor — flying FL200 with a comfortable cabin eliminates hypoxia risk, oxygen cylinder logistics, and the judgment degradation that affects unprotected occupants at altitude. For serious IFR operators who routinely fly above icing layers or in winter weather, the P210's altitude access is a genuine operational advantage. Safety axis: hypoxia is insidious above 10,000 feet — it impairs judgment before the pilot recognizes it. An unpressurized 210 at FL180 with supplemental oxygen managed imperfectly places the pilot in a physiologically degraded state. The P210 removes this variable by design: the cabin stays at a comfortable altitude regardless of where the aircraft flies.

Pick the 210 if…

  • Budget matters — from $90,200 vs $207,750, you save ~$117,550.
  • Lower operating cost — ~$175/hr vs $190/hr.
  • More inventory — 31 listings vs 13.

Pick the P210 if…

  • Faster cruise — 180 kts vs 160 kts.
  • Longer range — 850 nm vs 700 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 1978 vs 1960.

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What pressurization altitude does the P210 maintain in the cabin?
The P210 maintains a cabin pressure equivalent to approximately 8,000 ft cabin altitude when cruising at typical operating altitudes. The pressurization differential is approximately 3.5 psi — adequate for comfort and physiology, though not at airliner levels. At its maximum certified altitude the cabin remains within comfortable limits, and passengers experience no physiological difference from flying at 8,000 ft in a conventional aircraft.
How much more does it cost to operate a P210 than a standard 210?
Meaningfully more. The pressurization system adds recurring maintenance items — door seals, outflow-valve inspection, pressure-vessel checks, and window-seal replacement — that simply don't exist on the naturally aspirated 210. The turbocharged TSIO-520's hot-section intervals and overhaul cost also exceed the IO-520's. Most P210 owners budget a few thousand dollars per year more than a comparable 210, depending on how well the pressurization system was maintained by prior owners.
What is the most important pre-purchase inspection item on a P210?
Pressurization-system integrity. Seal condition, outflow-valve function, and the general pressurization-cycle history matter more on a P210 than on any other single-engine aircraft. Deferred pressurization maintenance is common on aging aircraft and expensive to correct. Commission a borescope inspection of the pressure-vessel fittings, a pressure-differential test, and a full window/door-seal evaluation as part of pre-purchase. An aircraft that pressurizes correctly on the ground but leaks at altitude is a common finding and a negotiating point.
Which is better, Cessna 210 or Cessna P210?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 210 cruises at 160 kts with 700 nm range. The P210 cruises at 180 kts with 850 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 210: from $159,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 210 and Cessna P210?
210 engine: CONTINENTAL IO-470-E (260 hp). P210 engine: CONTINENTAL TSIO-520-R (310 hp). Cruise: 160 vs 180 kts. Range: 700 vs 850 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
210: about $175/hr variable cost. P210: about $190/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?
210: 6 seats / 1,310 lb useful load. P210: 6 seats / 1,200 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?
210: 1,700-hour TBO, overhaul ~$35,000. P210: 1,800-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