Cessna 172 vs Cessna 182
The Cessna 172 Skyhawk and 182 Skylane share a high-wing layout and Cessna’s legendary support network, so the comparison is really about how much airplane you need. The 172 is lighter, cheaper to run, and the classic trainer. The 182 adds a bigger engine, a constant-speed prop, and the useful load to carry four adults with full fuel and bags — a genuine family hauler that costs more per hour to feed. Many owners step up from one to the other.
Key specifications, side by side
| Cessna 172 | Cessna 182 | |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Engine | Lycoming IO-360 (172S) | Lycoming IO-540 (182T) |
| Horsepower | 180 hp | 230 hp |
| Cruise speed | ~124 kt | ~145 kt |
| Range | ~640 nm | ~930 nm |
| Useful load | ~880 lb | ~1,100 lb |
| Fuel (usable) | 53 gal | 87 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 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.
What's different about the Cessna 182
- The 172's bigger sibling: more horsepower and a constant-speed prop deliver real four-seats-with-bags useful load.
- Carries four adults, full fuel, and baggage — a genuine family hauler rather than a two-plus-light-bags compromise.
- Nose-heavy on landing and thirstier to operate; rewards trim discipline with stable, capable IFR cross-country manners.
Cessna 172 vs Cessna 182 — frequently asked questions
Quick answers for buyers and prospective co-owners.
How much more capable is a Cessna 182 than a 172?
The 182 Skylane adds a 230 hp engine and a constant-speed prop (versus 180 hp and a fixed-pitch prop on the 172) and roughly 1,100 lb of useful load against about 880 lb — enough to carry four adults with full fuel and bags, which a 172 cannot always do.
Is a 182 much more expensive to operate than a 172?
Moderately, yes. The bigger engine burns more fuel and the constant-speed prop adds maintenance, so per-hour costs are higher. In exchange you get about 20 kt more cruise (~145 vs ~124 kt) and the extra load. Many owners step up from a 172 as their mission grows.
Should I buy a 172 or a 182?
Choose the 172 for training and light flying at the lowest cost; choose the 182 if you regularly fly four people, operate from higher or shorter fields, and want the extra useful load and speed.