Cessna 180 vs Cessna 182
The Cessna 180 Skywagon and the Cessna 182 Skylane are mechanically close cousins — the same ~230 hp class, similar ~145 kt cruise and useful load — so the real decision is the landing gear. The 180 is a conventional-gear (tailwheel) hauler that built Cessna’s backcountry reputation: rough-strip and float capable, durable, and famous for holding its value, but demanding genuine tailwheel proficiency. The 182 is the nosewheel Skylane — easier to fly and insure, far more plentiful, and the default family IFR cross-country single. Same basic airplane, two very different missions.
Key specifications, side by side
| Cessna 180 | Cessna 182 | |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 4–6 | 4 |
| Engine | Continental O-470 (later models) | Lycoming IO-540 (182T) |
| Horsepower | 230 hp | 230 hp |
| Cruise speed | ~143 kt | ~145 kt |
| Range | ~860 nm | ~930 nm |
| Useful load | ~1,100 lb | ~1,100 lb |
| Fuel (usable) | 55–84 gal | 87 gal |
| Landing gear | Conventional (tailwheel) | 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 180
- A tailwheel high-wing hauler with a strong useful load and float capability — the airplane that built Cessna’s backcountry reputation.
- Suits an owner who flies into rough or short strips, carries real loads, and wants a durable airframe that holds its value.
- Demands genuine tailwheel proficiency and a tailwheel insurance policy; the conventional gear is the whole point and the main learning curve.
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 180 vs Cessna 182 — frequently asked questions
Quick answers for buyers and prospective co-owners.
What is the difference between a Cessna 180 and a 182?
Mainly the landing gear. Both are high-wing singles around 230 hp with similar ~145 kt cruise and useful load, but the 180 is a conventional-gear (tailwheel) Skywagon and the 182 is the nosewheel Skylane. The tailwheel is the 180’s whole point — and its main learning curve.
Which is better for backcountry or float flying?
The 180. Its tailwheel gear, durable airframe, and float capability make it a backcountry and bush favorite, where the nosewheel 182 is happier on improved runways as a stable IFR cross-country airplane.
Which is easier and cheaper to insure?
The 182, generally. Its nosewheel is more forgiving and far more pilots are current in it, so it is easier to insure and transition into. The 180 needs genuine tailwheel proficiency and a tailwheel insurance policy.