Piper Saratoga vs Cessna 182
The Cessna 182 Skylane and Piper Saratoga are both capable four-to-six-seat travelers. The high-wing 182 is a fixed-gear hauler known for stability, visibility, and simple ownership, while the low-wing Saratoga offers a roomier club cabin and more seats, available in both fixed and retractable gear. This is utility versus cabin space.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Piper Saratoga | Cessna 182 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $39,900 – $745,000 | $14,500 – $875,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 300 HP | 230 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 163 kts (302 km/h) | 140 kts (259 km/h) |
| Range | 950 nm (1,759 km) | 915 nm (1,695 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 20,000 ft (6,096 m) | 18,100 ft (5,517 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,600 lbs (1,633 kg) | 3,100 lbs (1,406 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,360 lbs (617 kg) | 1,110 lbs (503 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 102.0 gal (386 L) | 92.0 gal (348 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 15.0 GPH (57 L/h) | 12.5 GPH (47 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $32,000 | $32,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $20,000 | $20,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $170 | $160 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimatePiper Saratoga
Fuel$82/hr
Variable$170/hr
Annual Fixed$20,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$54,000/yr
Cessna 182
Fuel$69/hr
Variable$160/hr
Annual Fixed$20,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$52,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Piper Saratoga or Cessna 182?
Bottom line: Choose the 182 for simpler systems, great visibility, and lower operating costs; pick the Saratoga for its larger cabin, extra seats, and a more comfortable load-carrying mission. Seat count and cabin needs usually decide it, with condition and gear type weighing heavily.
Pick the Saratoga if…
- More seats — 6 vs 4.
- Faster cruise — 163 kts vs 140 kts.
- Longer range — 950 nm vs 915 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1980 vs 1956.
Pick the 182 if…
- Budget matters — from $14,500 vs $39,900, you save ~$25,400.
- Lower operating cost — ~$160/hr vs $170/hr.
- More inventory — 491 listings vs 167.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Piper Saratoga or Cessna 182?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Saratoga cruises at 163 kts with 950 nm range.
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?
Cessna 182: from $119,950.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Piper Saratoga and Cessna 182?
182 engine: Continental O-470-L (230 hp).
Seats: 6 vs 4.
Cruise: 163 vs 140 kts.
Range: 950 vs 915 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Saratoga: about $170/hr variable cost.
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?
Saratoga: 6 seats / 1,360 lb 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?
Saratoga: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$32,000.
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