Cessna TR182 vs Piper Malibu
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna TR182 | Piper Malibu |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $125,000 – $249,900 | $221,274 – $4,582,731 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 230 HP | 310 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 140 kts (259 km/h) | 198 kts (367 km/h) |
| Range | 915 nm (1,695 km) | 1,300 nm (2,408 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 25,000 ft (7,620 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 12,500 lbs (5,670 kg) | 4,100 lbs (1,860 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,110 lbs (503 kg) | 1,200 lbs (544 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 120.0 gal (454 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 12.0 GPH (45 L/h) | 16.0 GPH (61 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,800 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $32,000 | $35,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $20,000 | $22,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $140 | $190 |
| Engines | 1 x Reciprocating | 1 x Piston (Turbocharged) |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna TR182
Fuel$66/hr
Variable$140/hr
Annual Fixed$20,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$48,000/yr
Piper Malibu
Fuel$88/hr
Variable$190/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$60,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna TR182 or Piper Malibu?
Pick the TR182 if…
- Budget matters — from $125,000 vs $221,274, you save ~$96,274.
- Lower operating cost — ~$140/hr vs $190/hr.
- Newer design — production from 1986 vs 1984.
Pick the Malibu if…
- More seats — 6 vs 4.
- Faster cruise — 198 kts vs 140 kts.
- Longer range — 1300 nm vs 915 nm.
- More inventory — 312 listings vs 10.
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 TR182 or Piper Malibu?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The TR182 cruises at 140 kts with 915 nm range.
The Malibu cruises at 198 kts with 1,300 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna TR182: from $125,000.
Piper Malibu: from $496,655.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna TR182 and Piper Malibu?
TR182 engine: Lycoming O-540-L3C5D (230 hp).
Seats: 4 vs 6.
Cruise: 140 vs 198 kts.
Range: 915 vs 1300 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
TR182: about $140/hr variable cost.
Malibu: 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?
TR182: 4 seats / 1,110 lb useful load.
Malibu: 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?
TR182: 1,800-hour TBO, overhaul ~$32,000.
Malibu: 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