Cessna TU206 vs Cessna 185
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna TU206 | Cessna 185 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $226,102 – $649,000 | $160,000 – $899,500 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 310 HP | 300 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 148 kts (274 km/h) | 145 kts (269 km/h) |
| Range | 800 nm (1,482 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 | 1,340 lbs (608 kg) | 1,440 lbs (653 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 84.0 gal (318 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 15.0 GPH (57 L/h) | 15.5 GPH (59 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,800 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $38,000 | $35,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $24,000 | $22,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $170 | $175 |
| Engines | 1 x Reciprocating | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna TU206
Fuel$82/hr
Variable$170/hr
Annual Fixed$24,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$58,000/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 TU206 or Cessna 185?
Pick the TU206 if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$170/hr vs $175/hr.
- Faster cruise — 148 kts vs 145 kts.
- Longer range — 800 nm vs 720 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1977 vs 1961.
Pick the 185 if…
- Budget matters — from $160,000 vs $226,102, you save ~$66,102.
- More inventory — 71 listings vs 6.
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 TU206 or Cessna 185?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The TU206 cruises at 148 kts with 800 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 185: from $175,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna TU206 and Cessna 185?
TU206 engine: Continental TSIO-520-C (310 hp).
185 engine: Continental IO-470-F (300 hp).
Cruise: 148 vs 145 kts.
Range: 800 vs 720 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
TU206: about $170/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?
TU206: 6 seats / 1,340 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?
TU206: 1,800-hour TBO, overhaul ~$38,000.
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