Mooney M20C vs Cessna 150
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Mooney M20C | Cessna 150 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $39,900 – $139,500 | $25,000 – $129,900 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 2 |
| Horsepower | — | 100 HP |
| Cruise Speed | — | 97 kts (180 km/h) |
| Range | — | 420 nm (778 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 12,500 lbs (5,670 kg) | 1,600 lbs (726 kg) |
| Useful Load | — | 530 lbs (240 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 26.0 gal (98 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 9.0 GPH (34 L/h) | 6.0 GPH (23 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,400 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $22,000 | $25,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $14,000 | $15,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $100 | $100 |
| Engines | 1 x Reciprocating | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateMooney M20C
Fuel$50/hr
Variable$100/hr
Annual Fixed$14,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$34,000/yr
Cessna 150
Fuel$33/hr
Variable$100/hr
Annual Fixed$15,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$35,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Mooney M20C or Cessna 150?
Pick the M20C if…
- More seats — 4 vs 2.
- Newer design — production from 1962 vs 1959.
Pick the 150 if…
- Budget matters — from $25,000 vs $39,900, you save ~$14,900.
- More inventory — 137 listings vs 29.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Mooney M20C or Cessna 150?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 150 cruises at 97 kts with 420 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Mooney M20C: from $72,500.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Mooney M20C and Cessna 150?
M20C engine: Lycoming O-360.
150 engine: Continental O-200 (100 hp).
Seats: 4 vs 2.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
M20C: about $100/hr variable cost.
150: about $100/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?
M20C: 4 seats.
150: 2 seats / 530 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?
M20C: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$22,000.
150: 2,400-hour TBO, overhaul ~$25,000.
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