Piper Saratoga vs Cessna 210
The Cessna 210 Centurion and Piper Saratoga are both six-seat singles built for serious cross-country hauling. The high-wing retractable 210 carries big loads with great visibility and strong speed, while the low-wing Saratoga, in fixed or retractable form, offers a wide club cabin and easy access. This is high-wing payload versus low-wing cabin comfort.
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Piper Saratoga | Cessna 210 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
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| Price Range | $39,900 – $745,000 | $25,000 – $975,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 300 HP | 300 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 163 kts (302 km/h) | 164 kts (304 km/h) |
| Range | 950 nm (1,759 km) | 900 nm (1,667 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 20,000 ft (6,096 m) | 17,300 ft (5,273 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,600 lbs (1,633 kg) | 3,800 lbs (1,724 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,360 lbs (617 kg) | 1,310 lbs (594 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 102.0 gal (386 L) | 90.0 gal (341 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 15.0 GPH (57 L/h) | 14.5 GPH (55 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 1,500 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $32,000 | $35,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $20,000 | $22,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $170 | $175 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimatePiper Saratoga
Cessna 210
Which Should You Buy: Piper Saratoga or Cessna 210?
Bottom line: Choose the 210 for maximum payload, speed, and high-wing visibility; pick the Saratoga for its roomy club cabin, easier boarding, and simpler ownership in fixed-gear form. Mission and cabin needs decide it, and on either, gear condition and logs matter more than the badge.
Pick the Saratoga if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$170/hr vs $175/hr.
- Longer range — 950 nm vs 900 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1980 vs 1960.
Pick the 210 if…
- Budget matters — from $25,000 vs $39,900, you save ~$14,900.
- Faster cruise — 164 kts vs 163 kts.
- More inventory — 175 listings vs 164.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.