Cessna 182 Continental (early) vs Piper Dakota
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Cessna 182 Continental (early)
No active listings right now.
Piper Dakota
- For sale now
- 20
- Median asking
- $185,000
- Range
- $138,500–$301,040
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 5
- Source marketplaces
- 7
- Model years available
- 1978–1994
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 182 Continental (early) — 4 generations
| Generation | Years | Engine | MTOW | Cruise | Range | For sale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 182 Continental (early) | 1956–1976 | Continental O-470-L/R | 2650 | 140 | 640 | 206 |
| 182 Continental (late) | 1977–1986 | Continental O-470-U | 3100 | 142 | 700 | 78 |
| T182 Turbo | 1981–now | Lycoming TIO-540-AK1A | 3100 | 158 | 970 | 42 |
| 182 Lycoming | 1997–now | Lycoming IO-540-AB1A5 | 3100 | 145 | 930 | 151 |
Piper Dakota — 0 generations
| Generation | Years | Engine | MTOW | Cruise | Range | For sale |
|---|
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna 182 Continental (early) | Piper Dakota |
|---|---|---|
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|
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| Price Range | — | $138,500 – $301,040 |
| Category | — | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 230–235 HP | 235 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 140–158 kts (293 km/h) | 143 kts (265 km/h) |
| Range | 640–970 nm (1,796 km) | 650 nm (1,204 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 18,900 ft (5,761 m) | 17,000 ft (5,182 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2650–3,100 lbs (1,406 kg) | 3,000 lbs (1,361 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,140 lbs (517 kg) | 1,150 lbs (522 kg) |
| Fuel Burn | 13.5 GPH (51 L/h) | 13.0 GPH (49 L/h) |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 182 Continental (early) or Piper Dakota?
Pick the 182 Continental (early) if…
Pick the Dakota if…
- Faster cruise — 143 kts vs 140 kts.
- Longer range — 650 nm vs 640 nm.
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 182 Continental (early) or Piper Dakota?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 182 Continental (early) cruises at 140 kts with 640 nm range.
The Dakota cruises at 143 kts with 650 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Piper Dakota: from $279,500.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 182 Continental (early) and Piper Dakota?
182 Continental (early) engine: Continental O-470-L/R (230 hp).
Cruise: 140 vs 143 kts.
Range: 640 vs 650 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?
182 Continental (early): 4 seats / 1,140 lb useful load.
Dakota: 4 seats / 1,150 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