De Havilland DHC-2 vs Cessna 182

Full Specs Comparison

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Spec / Model De Havilland DHC-2 Cessna 182
De Havilland DHC-2
View 26 listings →
Median $729,000
Cessna 182
View 516 listings →
Median $215,000
Price Range $325,000 – $1,595,626 $14,500 – $875,000
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 6 4
Horsepower 450 HP 230 HP
Cruise Speed 109 kts (202 km/h) 140 kts (259 km/h)
Range 395 nm (732 km) 915 nm (1,695 km)
Service Ceiling 18,000 ft (5,486 m) 18,100 ft (5,517 m)
Max Gross Weight 5,100 lbs (2,313 kg) 3,100 lbs (1,406 kg)
Useful Load 1,110 lbs (503 kg)
Fuel Capacity 95.0 gal (360 L) 92.0 gal (348 L)
Fuel Burn 25.0 GPH (95 L/h) 12.5 GPH (47 L/h)
TBO 1,500 hrs 2,000 hrs
Overhaul Cost $50,000 $32,000
Annual Fixed $35,000 $20,000
Hourly Variable $250 $160
Engines 1 x Piston 1 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

De Havilland DHC-2

Fuel$138/hr
Variable$250/hr
Annual Fixed$35,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $85,000/yr

Cessna 182

Fuel$69/hr
Variable$160/hr
Annual Fixed$20,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $52,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: De Havilland DHC-2 or Cessna 182?

Pick the DHC-2 if…

  • More seats — 6 vs 4.

Pick the 182 if…

  • Budget matters — from $14,500 vs $325,000, you save ~$310,500.
  • Lower operating cost — ~$160/hr vs $250/hr.
  • Faster cruise — 140 kts vs 109 kts.
  • Longer range — 915 nm vs 395 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 1956 vs 1948.
  • More inventory — 516 listings vs 26.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, De Havilland DHC-2 or Cessna 182?
It depends on your mission and budget. The DHC-2 cruises at 109 kts with 395 nm range. The 182 cruises at 140 kts with 915 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
De Havilland DHC-2: from $425,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between De Havilland DHC-2 and Cessna 182?
DHC-2 engine: Pratt & Whitney R-985 (450 hp). 182 engine: Continental O-470-L (230 hp). Seats: 6 vs 4. Cruise: 109 vs 140 kts. Range: 395 vs 915 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
DHC-2: about $250/hr variable cost. 182: about $160/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?
DHC-2: 6 seats. 182: 4 seats / 1,110 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?
DHC-2: 1,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$50,000. 182: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$32,000. 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