Cessna 172 vs 182: Performance, Cost & Features Compared

Can you tell the difference between the Cessna 172 and the 182? It’s okay if you can’t.

At first glance, they look pretty similar. Both are reliable, single-engine airplanes with fixed tricycle landing gear. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll find they each offer something unique.

Maybe you're a student pilot learning the ropes, or perhaps you’ve got more experience and just want something with a little more power.

The Cessna 172 has long been the trusted favorite in flight schools because of its forgiving flight characteristics and its low operating costs.

The Cessna 182 has more horsepower, a faster cruise speed, and greater payload capacity.

So, which one is better? Well, that really depends on what kind of flying you plan to do. Let’s get into all the details and see which aircraft fits your flying style best.

SUMMARY

• The Cessna 182 offers a more powerful engine and faster cruise speed compared to the 172.

• The 182 has a higher payload capacity and can carry heavier loads.

• The Cessna 172 is a popular aircraft for student pilots and training flights.

• The 182 often requiring a high-performance endorsement for pilots.

Performance Comparison: Cessna 172 vs Cessna 182

While these two aircraft can seem similar on the outside, there are some differences that are important to be aware of.

The table below compares the tech specs between the Cessna 172 and 182:

Performance and Fuel Efficiency

Now that we've gone through the comparison table, you can see that the Cessna 182 offers better performance in terms of speed and power, with its 230 HP engine compared to the 172’s 160 HP. This extra horsepower means that the 182 has a faster cruise speed of 144 knots versus the 122 knots of the 172.

And yes, it's true that the 182 is faster and can carry more weight, but this comes at the cost of fuel efficiency since it burns more fuel at cruise (13-14 GPH vs. 8-10 GPH for the 172).

If you're a new pilot or student pilot, the 172's lower fuel consumption and simpler design make it the smarter option for flight training. It's going to hurt your wallet less per hour.

For pilots or wannabe-aircraft-owners, that plan on needing more power or planning longer trips, the Cessna 182's higher performance is the top choice despite the increased fuel burn.

Cost of Ownership and Maintenance

So now it's time to discuss maintenance costs.

The Cessna 172 is generally less expensive to own and maintain. The 172’s smaller engine means less expensive repairs, and its lighter weight results in lower overall wear and tear.

The Cessna 182 has larger and more powerful engine, higher fuel consumption, and more complex systems (including its variable pitch propeller). It's no surprise that it tends to have higher maintenance costs.

Flight schools typically prefer the 172 for student training because of its affordability and fuel efficiency.

Private owners who prioritize performance and payload capacity often choose the 182 for longer flights or carrying more passengers and cargo.

Cabin and Payload Capacity

Comparing the two cabins, yes, the Cessna 182 provides more room for passengers and cargo.

Its larger payload capacity allows it to carry heavier loads, so it's perfect for family trips or transporting gear.

Both the 172 and 182 can accommodate four adults, but the 182’s larger fuel capacity and useful load make it a better choice for flights with full fuel and additional cargo.

Less refueling with the 182 is definitely one of it's pros.

Flight Characteristics and Training

We're covered the specs, but what about the fun stuff?

Is it easier to fly the 172 or the 182?

If you're new to flying, the Cessna 172 is often considered the better airplane for learning. It has incredibly forgiving flight characteristics, simple controls, and lower operating costs.

If you're a student pilot, there's a good chance that your flight school has at least one Cessna 172 if not several.

The less fuel and operating costs for the aircraft mean that it's cheaper for your per hour to rent for solos and to train it. These costs add up when you consider the cost of dry rentals (meaning you pay for the fuel costs separate from the rental rate), plus the flight instructors hourly fee.

The 172’s fixed gear is a bless for student pilots. When you first start you're aviation journey situational awareness in the cockpit matters. Fixed gear aircraft mean that you can focus on mastering the basics of flying without worrying about complex systems like retractable gear or a variable pitch propeller.

For More Experienced Pilots

Later down the line, once you have more flight hours in your logbook, you might want to transition to more complex aircraft. Those who often pursue a high-performance endorsement look to fly the Cessna 182.

For example, let's say you want to get your commercial pilot license and what to know what kind of aircraft you should rent next for your time-building process.

The Cessna 182 with retractable landing gear, flaps, and a controllable-pitch propeller (like the 182RG model), qualifies as a "complex" aircraft. That means you can log the complex time required for the commercial pilot certificate, provided you meet the FAA's other training requirements for complex aircraft.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is the Cessna 182 better than the 172?
  The Cessna 182 has more power, a faster cruise speed, and a higher useful load, so it's suited for longer trips and heavier payloads. While the 172 is more fuel-efficient and less expensive to operate, so it's better suited for training student pilots and short trips.

• Does a 182 have more room than a 172?
  Yes, the Cessna 182 has a slightly larger cabin and can carry more weight. It's designed to be more comfortable for longer trips with full fuel and additional passengers or cargo.

• How can you tell a 172 from a 182?
  On the outside, the Cessna 182 has a slightly bigger appearance, and it has a larger cowling for its bigger engine. The 182 also has a variable pitch propeller and can often be distinguished by its retractable gear in some versions.

• Can a Cessna 182 carry four adults?
  Yes, a Cessna 182 can comfortably carry four adults along with additional baggage, especially for longer trips because of its higher useful load and larger fuel capacity.

Takeaway

In the end, you can’t go wrong with either aircraft. Cessna's in general are great aircraft, no matter what variant or model number. What matters most is your flying goals. Both planes have earned their place in hangars across the world, and whichever one you choose, you’ll be getting a solid, time-tested aircraft.

Interested in Learning About Cessna's?

Our guides are designed to help!

• Breaking Down Everything in the Cessna 172 Cockpit

• Cessna 150 vs 152: Differences Between the Aircraft Models

• Cessna 172 (10 Things You Need to Know)

• Cessna 180 (One of the Best Bush Planes)

• Cessna 340 (All the Details You Need)

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