Cessna T182T vs Cessna 185

Full Specs Comparison

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Spec / Model Cessna T182T Cessna 185
Cessna T182T
View 29 listings →
Median $398,500
Cessna 185
View 69 listings →
Median $282,551
Price Range $50,000 – $875,000 $160,000 – $899,500
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 4 6
Horsepower 235 HP 300 HP
Cruise Speed 152 kts (282 km/h) 145 kts (269 km/h)
Range 885 nm (1,639 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 1,050 lbs (476 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 2,000 hrs 2,000 hrs
Overhaul Cost $32,000 $35,000
Annual Fixed $20,000 $22,000
Hourly Variable $160 $175
Engines 1 x Piston 1 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Cessna T182T

Fuel$77/hr
Variable$160/hr
Annual Fixed$20,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $52,000/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 T182T or Cessna 185?

Pick the T182T if…

  • Budget matters — from $50,000 vs $160,000, you save ~$110,000.
  • Lower operating cost — ~$160/hr vs $175/hr.
  • Faster cruise — 152 kts vs 145 kts.
  • Longer range — 885 nm vs 720 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 2001 vs 1961.

Pick the 185 if…

  • More seats — 6 vs 4.
  • More inventory — 69 listings vs 29.

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 T182T or Cessna 185?
It depends on your mission and budget. The T182T cruises at 152 kts with 885 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 T182T: from $539,000. 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 T182T and Cessna 185?
T182T engine: Lycoming O-540-L3C5D (235 hp). 185 engine: Continental IO-470-F (300 hp). Seats: 4 vs 6. Cruise: 152 vs 145 kts. Range: 885 vs 720 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
T182T: 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?
T182T: 4 seats / 1,050 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?
T182T: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$32,000. 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