Piper Arrow vs Cessna 182
The Cessna 182 Skylane and Piper Arrow are both well-regarded four-seat singles, but they target different missions. The high-wing fixed-gear 182 is a powerful hauler built for stability and payload, while the low-wing retractable Arrow is a slimmer, efficient complex single popular for travel and complex-time building. This is hauler versus efficient cruiser.
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Piper Arrow | Cessna 182 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
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| Price Range | $44,950 – $429,460 | $14,500 – $875,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 200 HP | 230 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 135 kts (250 km/h) | 140 kts (259 km/h) |
| Range | 720 nm (1,333 km) | 915 nm (1,695 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 15,400 ft (4,694 m) | 18,100 ft (5,517 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,750 lbs (1,247 kg) | 3,100 lbs (1,406 kg) |
| Useful Load | 940 lbs (426 kg) | 1,110 lbs (503 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 72.0 gal (273 L) | 92.0 gal (348 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 10.5 GPH (40 L/h) | 12.5 GPH (47 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $30,000 | $32,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $18,000 | $20,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $145 | $160 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimatePiper Arrow
Cessna 182
Which Should You Buy: Piper Arrow or Cessna 182?
Bottom line: Choose the 182 for more payload, power, and fixed-gear simplicity; pick the Arrow for retractable efficiency, lower fuel burn, and complex-time experience. Mission decides it—load-haulers favor the Skylane, while economical travelers and time-builders lean Arrow; condition matters most.
Pick the Arrow if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$145/hr vs $160/hr.
- Newer design — production from 1967 vs 1956.
Pick the 182 if…
- Budget matters — from $14,500 vs $44,950, you save ~$30,450.
- Faster cruise — 140 kts vs 135 kts.
- Longer range — 915 nm vs 720 nm.
- More inventory — 490 listings vs 189.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.