Mooney M20R vs Cessna 182
The Cessna 182 Skylane (four-seat fixed-gear, ~140 kt, 230 hp Lycoming) and Mooney M20R Ovation (four-seat retractable, ~190 kt, 280 hp Continental IO-550) are very different cross-country singles — the 182 is the load-hauling Cessna; the Ovation is the high-cruise Mooney.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Mooney M20R | Cessna 182 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $219,000 – $380,000 | $14,500 – $870,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | — | 4 |
| Horsepower | — | 230 HP |
| Cruise Speed | — | 140 kts (259 km/h) |
| Range | — | 915 nm (1,695 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 18,100 ft (5,517 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | — | 3,100 lbs (1,406 kg) |
| Useful Load | — | 1,110 lbs (503 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 92.0 gal (348 L) |
| Fuel Burn | — | 12.5 GPH (47 L/h) |
| TBO | — | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $32,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $20,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $160 |
| Engines | — | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateMooney M20R
Cessna 182
Fuel$69/hr
Variable$160/hr
Annual Fixed$20,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$52,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Mooney M20R or Cessna 182?
Bottom line: Choose the Ovation for ~50 kt more cruise, retractable efficiency and the Mooney cross-country character. Choose the 182 for fixed-gear simplicity, larger useful load, high-wing utility and the broadest support network.
Pick the M20R if…
Pick the 182 if…
- Budget matters — from $14,500 vs $219,000, you save ~$204,500.
- More inventory — 471 listings vs 21.
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 M20R or Cessna 182?
It depends on your mission and budget.
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?
Mooney M20R: from $314,900.
Cessna 182: from $220,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Mooney M20R and Cessna 182?
182 engine: Continental O-470-L (230 hp).
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
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?
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?
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