Cessna 150 vs Cessna 172
The Cessna 150 and Cessna 172 are the two airplanes most pilots learn in, so the comparison is really about how much airplane you need first. The two-seat 150 is the cheapest practical way into ownership — a 100 hp trainer that sips fuel and is cheap to maintain, but tops out around 100 kt and carries only two people and light bags. The four-seat 172 Skyhawk adds an 80 hp-bigger engine, real back seats, more useful load, and ~124 kt cruise, making it the do-everything family trainer at a modestly higher running cost. Many owners start in a 150 and step up to a 172.
Key specifications, side by side
| Cessna 150 | Cessna 172 | |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 2 | 4 |
| Engine | Continental O-200-A | Lycoming IO-360 (172S) |
| Horsepower | 100 hp | 180 hp |
| Cruise speed | ~100 kt | ~124 kt |
| Range | ~420 nm | ~640 nm |
| Useful load | ~500 lb | ~880 lb |
| Fuel (usable) | ~22.5 gal | 53 gal |
| Landing gear | Fixed tricycle | Fixed tricycle |
Representative figures for a popular variant of each family — exact specs vary by model year, engine, and avionics configuration.
What's different about the Cessna 150
- A two-seat trainer that is the cheapest practical way into aircraft ownership and building hours.
- The small 100 hp Continental sips fuel — among the lowest operating costs in the GA fleet.
- Cramped cabin and modest useful load keep it to two people and light bags; not a cross-country traveler.
What's different about the Cessna 172
- The most-produced aircraft ever — unmatched parts, mechanic, and instructor support, and the easiest single to insure and resell.
- Forgiving, docile handling makes it the default primary trainer and a low-stress first aircraft to own.
- High-wing layout gives shade, easy passenger entry, and great downward visibility for sightseeing — but limits useful load with full fuel.
Cessna 150 vs Cessna 172 — frequently asked questions
Quick answers for buyers and prospective co-owners.
What is the difference between a Cessna 150 and a 172?
Size and power. The 150 is a two-seat, 100 hp trainer cruising ~100 kt; the 172 Skyhawk is a four-seat, 180 hp airplane cruising ~124 kt with much more useful load. Both are high-wing, fixed-gear, and famously easy to fly and support.
Which is cheaper to own, a 150 or a 172?
The 150. Its small 100 hp engine has among the lowest fuel and operating costs in the fleet, making it the cheapest practical way into aircraft ownership. The 172 costs a bit more to run in exchange for two more seats, more load, and more speed.
Should I buy a 150 or a 172?
Choose the 150 to build hours and fly locally at the lowest possible cost with one passenger. Choose the 172 if you need to carry up to four people, want more useful load and cross-country speed, and want one airplane that does it all.