Cessna 182 vs Piper Cherokee
The Cessna 182 Skylane (~140 kt, 230-235 hp, ~1,100 lb useful) and Piper Cherokee (~115-130 kt depending on variant, 140-235 hp, lower useful) are different power-class four-seaters — the 182 is the high-wing load-hauler; the Cherokee is the lower-cost trainer/touring four-seater.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Cessna 182
- For sale now
- 489
- Median asking
- $218,897
- Range
- $104,725–$564,768
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 167
- Source marketplaces
- 21
- Model years available
- 1956–2026
Piper Cherokee
- For sale now
- 602
- Median asking
- $116,400
- Range
- $59,948–$277,250
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 164
- Source marketplaces
- 23
- Model years available
- 1961–2026
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 — 4 generations
| Generation | Years | Engine | MTOW | Cruise | Range | For sale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 182 Continental (early) | 1956–1976 | O-470-L/R | 2650 | 140 | 640 | 212 |
| 182 Continental (late) | 1977–1986 | O-470-U | 3100 | 142 | 700 | 82 |
| T182 Turbo | 1981–1986 | TIO-540-AK1A | 3100 | 158 | 970 | 49 |
| 182 Lycoming | 1997–now | IO-540-AB1A5 | 3100 | 145 | 930 | 164 |
Piper Cherokee — 0 generations
| Generation | Years | Engine | MTOW | Cruise | Range | For sale |
|---|
Safety Record
Absolute counts scale with fleet size — the most-produced types log more events without being less safe. Compare the % fatal.
| NTSB (1982–now) | Cessna 182 | Piper Cherokee |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 2779 | 1 |
| Serious | 249 | 0 |
| Fatal | 529 | 0 |
| Fatalities | 1000 | 0 |
| % Fatal | 19% | 0% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna 182 | Piper Cherokee |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $104,725 – $564,768 | $59,948 – $277,250 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 230–235 HP | 150 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 140–158 kts (293 km/h) | 117 kts (217 km/h) |
| Range | 640–970 nm (1,796 km) | 525 nm (972 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 18,100 ft (5,517 m) | 14,300 ft (4,359 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2650–3,100 lbs (1,406 kg) | 2,150 lbs (975 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,110 lbs (503 kg) | 850 lbs (386 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 92.0 gal (348 L) | 50.0 gal (189 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 12.5 GPH (47 L/h) | 8.0 GPH (30 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,700 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $32,000 | $28,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $20,000 | $16,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $160 | $120 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 182
Fuel$69/hr
Variable$160/hr
Annual Fixed$20,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$52,000/yr
Piper Cherokee
Fuel$44/hr
Variable$120/hr
Annual Fixed$16,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$40,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 182 or Piper Cherokee?
Bottom line: Choose the 182 for the larger useful load, higher cruise and high-wing utility. Choose the Cherokee for materially lower acquisition cost and the simpler, lower-power four-seat mission.
Pick the 182 if…
- Faster cruise — 140 kts vs 117 kts.
- Longer range — 640 nm vs 525 nm.
- More inventory — 101 listings vs 26.
Pick the Cherokee if…
- Budget matters — from $59,948 vs $104,725, you save ~$44,777.
- Lower operating cost — ~$120/hr vs $160/hr.
- Newer design — production from 1961 vs 1956.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the key difference between the Cessna 182 and Piper Cherokee?
Power, load, and configuration philosophy. The Cessna 182 Skylane (230 hp, high-wing, fixed gear) carries more useful load and cruises faster (~140 kt) than the typical Piper Cherokee (PA-28, low-wing, O-320/O-360 depending on variant, four seats, ~120–130 kt). The Cherokee's low wing gives more ground stability and different handling; the 182 has more power and payload. Both are fixed-gear four-seaters; the 182 is the more capable aircraft.
182 or Cherokee — which four-seater?
Buy the 182 if useful load, cross-country speed, and high-wing visibility are priorities — it handles real four-person loads better than most Cherokee variants. Buy the Cherokee if low-wing stability, the Piper handling tradition, or lower acquisition cost on early models are the deciding factors. For most buyers choosing between comparable-condition examples, the 182's performance edge is the practical choice.
How do handling and flight characteristics compare?
The 182's high wing provides better downward visibility for sightseeing and VFR navigation; the Cherokee's low wing is known for stable, forgiving handling popular in flight schools. Both are docile VFR and IFR training and touring aircraft; the practical difference is handling preference, not capability.
How do specs compare?
Cessna 182T: Lycoming IO-540-AB1A5 (230 hp), four seats, high-wing, fixed gear, ~140 kt, ~900 nm. Piper Cherokee Archer: Lycoming O-360 (~180 hp), four seats, low-wing, fixed gear, ~124 kt, ~630 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate?
Comparable Cherokee variants have lower acquisition cost than equivalent 182s, and the smaller O-360 (180 hp) burns less fuel than the 182's IO-540 (230 hp). If the mission fits within the Cherokee's performance envelope, operating cost per hour favours the Cherokee. The 182 earns its cost through payload and speed.
Which should I buy?
182 for maximum four-seat payload and cross-country performance in a fixed-gear high-wing. Cherokee for lower acquisition cost, low-wing handling preference, and missions that don't push the 182's payload advantage. Both are proven, supported aircraft — the choice is often handling preference and budget.
Which is better, Cessna 182 or Piper Cherokee?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 182 cruises at 140 kts with 640 nm range.
The Cherokee cruises at 117 kts with 525 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 182: from $110,000.
Piper Cherokee: from $115,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 182 and Piper Cherokee?
182 engine: CONTINENTAL O-470-R (230 hp).
Cruise: 140 vs 117 kts.
Range: 640 vs 525 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
182: about $160/hr variable cost.
Cherokee: about $120/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.
Cherokee: 4 seats / 850 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: 1,700-hour TBO, overhaul ~$32,000.
Cherokee: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$28,000.
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