Cessna 182 vs Diamond DA62
The Cessna 182 Skylane (four-seat fixed-gear, ~140 kt) and Diamond DA50 RG (five-seat single-diesel retractable composite, ~181 kt) / DA62 (seven-seat twin-diesel composite, ~190 kt) are different generations — the 182 is the aluminium hauler; the Diamonds are modern composite singles/twins.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle
Cessna 182
- For sale now
- 489
- Median asking
- $218,897
- Range
- $104,725–$564,768
- Model years available
- 1956–2026
Diamond DA62
- For sale now
- 62
- Median asking
- $1,401,151
- Range
- $1,042,000–$1,880,564
- Model years available
- 2016–2026
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 182 — 4 generations
| Generation | Years | Engine | MTOW | Cruise | Range | For sale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 182 Continental (early) | 1956–1976 | O-470-L/R | 2650 | 140 | 640 | 218 |
| 182 Continental (late) | 1977–1986 | O-470-U | 3100 | 142 | 700 | 86 |
| T182 Turbo | 1981–1986 | TIO-540-AK1A | 3100 | 158 | 970 | 50 |
| 182 Lycoming | 1997–now | IO-540-AB1A5 | 3100 | 145 | 930 | 169 |
Diamond DA62 — 0 generations
| Generation | Years | Engine | MTOW | Cruise | Range | For 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 182 | Diamond DA62 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 2779 | — |
| Serious | 249 | — |
| Fatal | 529 | — |
| Fatalities | 1000 | — |
| % Fatal | 19% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna 182 | Diamond DA62 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $104,725 – $564,768 | $1,042,000 – $1,880,564 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Multi Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 7 |
| Horsepower | 230–235 HP | 180 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 140–158 kts (293 km/h) | 175 kts (324 km/h) |
| Range | 640–970 nm (1,796 km) | 1,100 nm (2,037 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 18,100 ft (5,517 m) | 20,000 ft (6,096 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2650–3,100 lbs (1,406 kg) | 5,070 lbs (2,300 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,110 lbs (503 kg) | 1,300 lbs (590 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 92.0 gal (348 L) | 79.0 gal (299 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 12.5 GPH (47 L/h) | 14.0 GPH (53 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,700 hrs | 1,800 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $32,000 | $30,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $20,000 | $22,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $160 | $160 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 2 x Diesel |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 182
Fuel$69/hr
Variable$160/hr
Annual Fixed$20,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$52,000/yr
Diamond DA62
Fuel$77/hr
Variable$160/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$54,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 182 or Diamond DA62?
Bottom line: Choose the 182 for the largest support network and lowest acquisition cost. Choose the DA50 RG for Jet-A diesel single-engine economics and modern composite construction; choose the DA62 when you need twin-engine redundancy in a modern composite seven-seater.
Pick the 182 if…
- Budget matters — from $104,725 vs $1,042,000, you save ~$937,275.
- More inventory — 107 listings vs 69.
Pick the DA62 if…
- More seats — 7 vs 4.
- Faster cruise — 175 kts vs 140 kts.
- Longer range — 1100 nm vs 640 nm.
- Newer design — production from 2015 vs 1956.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the key difference between the Cessna 182 and Diamond DA62?
Single versus twin engine and era. The Cessna 182 is a four-seat fixed-gear single with 230 hp and ~140 kt cruise — simple, well-supported, and affordable. The Diamond DA62 is a modern composite seven-seat diesel twin — two Austro AE330 engines (~180 hp each), approximately 195 kt cruise, Jet-A fuel, and a Garmin G1000 NXi glass panel. The DA62 is faster, carries more, and operates as a modern twin; the 182 is the practical single.
182 or DA62 — which should I buy?
Buy the 182 if four seats, gasoline single-engine simplicity, and the most economical personal-aircraft ownership are the priorities. Buy the DA62 if seven seats, twin-engine certification, diesel fuel flexibility, and modern avionics define the mission. The DA62's additional capacity, speed, and modern construction come at significantly higher acquisition and operating cost.
Does the DA62's twin engine justify the step up from a 182?
Only if the mission requires it — seven seats, twin-engine certification, or operations where Jet-A access matters. For personal flying with two to four passengers in avgas-available markets, the 182 covers the mission at a fraction of the DA62's total cost. The DA62 is the correct aircraft when twin-engine and diesel efficiency are genuine requirements, not aspirational features.
How do specs compare?
Cessna 182T: Lycoming IO-540-AB1A5 (230 hp), four seats, fixed gear, single engine, gasoline, ~140 kt. DA62: Austro AE330 diesel (~180 hp each), seven seats, retractable gear, twin engine, Jet-A, ~195 kt.
Which is cheaper to operate?
The 182 has lower per-flight operating costs in most avgas markets — simpler maintenance, lower acquisition cost amortisation, and no twin-engine overhead. The DA62's diesel can be more economical in Jet-A-heavy markets. For typical personal flying, the 182 is the more economical choice per nm.
Which should I buy?
182 for four-seat personal flying at the lowest practical ownership cost — one of the best-supported aircraft in history. DA62 for seven-seat modern touring with twin-engine capability and diesel efficiency — a genuinely different aircraft for a genuinely different mission.
Which is better, Cessna 182 or Diamond DA62?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 182 cruises at 140 kts with 640 nm range.
The DA62 cruises at 175 kts with 1,100 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 182: from $104,000.
Diamond DA62: from $1,299,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 182 and Diamond DA62?
182 engine: CONTINENTAL O-470-R (230 hp).
Seats: 4 vs 7.
Cruise: 140 vs 175 kts.
Range: 640 vs 1100 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
182: about $160/hr variable cost.
DA62: 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?
182: 4 seats / 1,110 lb useful load.
DA62: 7 seats / 1,300 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?
182: 1,700-hour TBO, overhaul ~$32,000.
DA62: 1,800-hour TBO, overhaul ~$30,000.
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 re-checked on a rolling cycle — most within a few days · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data