Cessna 172 Continental vs Luscombe Silvaire 8E
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Cessna 172 Continental
No active listings right now.
Luscombe Silvaire 8E
- For sale now
- 4
- Source marketplaces
- 3
- Model years available
- 1946–1947
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 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 Silvaire 8E — 0 generations
| Generation | Years | Engine | MTOW | Cruise | Range | For sale |
|---|
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna 172 Continental | Luscombe Silvaire 8E |
|---|---|---|
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| Price Range | — | $38,500 – $47,500 |
| Category | — | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 2 |
| Horsepower | 145–180 HP | 85 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 118–124 kts (230 km/h) | 100 kts (185 km/h) |
| Range | 518–585 nm (1,083 km) | 420 nm (778 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 15,100 ft (4,602 m) | 17,000 ft (5,182 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2300–2,550 lbs (1,157 kg) | — |
| Useful Load | 910 lbs (413 kg) | 550 lbs (249 kg) |
| Fuel Burn | 8.5 GPH (32 L/h) | 5.0 GPH (19 L/h) |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 172 Continental or Luscombe Silvaire 8E?
Pick the 172 Continental if…
- More seats — 4 vs 2.
- Faster cruise — 118 kts vs 100 kts.
- Longer range — 520 nm vs 420 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1956 vs 1948.
Pick the Silvaire 8E if…
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 172 Continental or Luscombe Silvaire 8E?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 172 Continental cruises at 118 kts with 520 nm range.
The Silvaire 8E cruises at 100 kts with 420 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Luscombe Silvaire 8E: from $48,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 172 Continental and Luscombe Silvaire 8E?
172 Continental engine: Continental O-300 (145 hp).
Seats: 4 vs 2.
Cruise: 118 vs 100 kts.
Range: 520 vs 420 nm.
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.
Silvaire 8E: 2 seats / 550 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