Cessna 177 vs Cessna 180
The Cessna 177 Cardinal (tricycle gear, four-seat touring, ~135 kt) and Cessna 180/185 Skywagon (tailwheel, four-to-six-seat utility, ~140-145 kt) are different-mission aircraft despite overlapping cruise — the Cardinal is the touring four-seater; the 180/185 are bush/utility tailwheels.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
- For sale now
- 71
- Median asking
- $134,500
- Range
- $91,273–$189,850
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 19
- Source marketplaces
- 11
- Model years available
- 1967–1978
- For sale now
- 50
- Median asking
- $180,000
- Range
- $121,500–$304,430
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 8
- Source marketplaces
- 9
- Model years available
- 1953–1981
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
Safety Record
Absolute counts scale with fleet size — the most-produced types log more events without being less safe. Compare the % fatal.
| NTSB (1982–now) | Cessna 177 | Cessna 180 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 766 | 1114 |
| Serious | 84 | 51 |
| Fatal | 141 | 87 |
| Fatalities | 281 | 166 |
| % Fatal | 18% | 8% |
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Cessna 177 | Cessna 180 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $91,273 – $189,850 | $121,500 – $304,430 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 150 HP | 230 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 120 kts (222 km/h) | 140 kts (259 km/h) |
| Range | 600 nm (1,111 km) | 700 nm (1,296 km) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,350 lbs (1,066 kg) | 2,650 lbs (1,202 kg) |
| Useful Load | 900 lbs (408 kg) | 1,400 lbs (635 kg) |
| Fuel Burn | 9.0 GPH (34 L/h) | 12.0 GPH (45 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 1,700 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $32,000 | $30,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $18,000 | $18,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $150 | $155 |
| Engines | 1 x Reciprocating | 1 x Reciprocating |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 177
Cessna 180
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 177 or Cessna 180?
Bottom line: Choose the Cardinal for the modern Cessna touring four-seater with tricycle gear. Choose the 180/185 for backcountry/utility work — tailwheel, big engines (185 is 300 hp Continental IO-520), useful load and the iconic bush-flying Cessna character.
Pick the 177 if…
- Budget matters — from $91,273 vs $121,500, you save ~$30,227.
- Lower operating cost — ~$150/hr vs $155/hr.
- Newer design — production from 1968 vs 1953.
- More inventory — 69 listings vs 50.
Pick the 180 if…
- Faster cruise — 140 kts vs 120 kts.
- Longer range — 700 nm vs 600 nm.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.