Cessna 172 Continental vs Luscombe Experimental
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 172 Continental — 5 generations
| Generation | Years | Engine | MTOW | Cruise | Range | For sale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 172 Continental | 1956–1967 | Continental O-300 | 2300 | 118 | 520 | 120 |
| 172 O-320 150hp | 1968–1976 | Lycoming O-320-E2D | 2300 | 120 | 585 | 120 |
| 172 O-320 160hp | 1977–1986 | Lycoming O-320-H2AD/D2J | 2400 | 122 | 585 | 95 |
| 172R | 1996–2007 | IO-360-L2A | 2450 | 120 | 520 | 20 |
| 172S | 1998–now | IO-360-L2A | 2550 | 124 | 518 | 46 |
Luscombe Experimental — 0 generations
| Generation | Years | Engine | MTOW | Cruise | Range | For sale |
|---|
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna 172 Continental | Luscombe Experimental |
|---|---|---|
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| Price Range | — | $50,000 |
| Category | — | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | — |
| Horsepower | 145–180 HP | — |
| Cruise Speed | 118–124 kts (230 km/h) | — |
| Range | 518–585 nm (1,083 km) | — |
| Service Ceiling | 15,100 ft (4,602 m) | — |
| Max Gross Weight | 2300–2,550 lbs (1,157 kg) | — |
| Useful Load | 910 lbs (413 kg) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 8.5 GPH (32 L/h) | — |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Cessna 172 Continental or Luscombe Experimental?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 172 Continental cruises at 118 kts with 520 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Luscombe Experimental: from $50,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 172 Continental and Luscombe Experimental?
172 Continental engine: Continental O-300 (145 hp).
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
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?
172 Continental: 4 seats / 910 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?
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