Sonaca 201 vs Cessna 172
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Sonaca 201 | Cessna 172 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $125,040 – $151,918 | $27,900 – $589,500 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 115 HP | 180 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 110 kts (204 km/h) | 122 kts (226 km/h) |
| Range | 750 nm (1,389 km) | 640 nm (1,185 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 1,653 lbs (750 kg) | 2,550 lbs (1,157 kg) |
| Useful Load | 569 lbs (258 kg) | 878 lbs (398 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 23.0 gal (87 L) | 56.0 gal (212 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 5.2 GPH (20 L/h) | 8.6 GPH (33 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $20,000 | $30,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $10,000 | $18,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $75 | $130 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateSonaca 201
Fuel$29/hr
Variable$75/hr
Annual Fixed$10,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$25,000/yr
Cessna 172
Fuel$47/hr
Variable$130/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$44,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Sonaca 201 or Cessna 172?
Pick the 201 if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$75/hr vs $130/hr.
- Longer range — 750 nm vs 640 nm.
- Newer design — production from 2018 vs 1956.
Pick the 172 if…
- Budget matters — from $27,900 vs $125,040, you save ~$97,140.
- More seats — 4 vs 2.
- Faster cruise — 122 kts vs 110 kts.
- More inventory — 411 listings vs 3.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Sonaca 201 or Cessna 172?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 201 cruises at 110 kts with 750 nm range.
The 172 cruises at 122 kts with 640 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Sonaca 201: from $151,918.
Cessna 172: from $179,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Sonaca 201 and Cessna 172?
172 engine: Continental O-300 (180 hp).
Seats: 2 vs 4.
Cruise: 110 vs 122 kts.
Range: 750 vs 640 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
201: about $75/hr variable cost.
172: about $130/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?
201: 2 seats / 569 lb useful load.
172: 4 seats / 878 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?
201: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$20,000.
172: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$30,000.
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