Cessna 180 vs De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver
The DHC-2 Beaver and Cessna 180/185 are legendary bush haulers — the Beaver the big radial (or turbine) STOL workhorse, the Cessna 180/185 the lighter, faster taildragger classic.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
- 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
- For sale now
- 25
- Median asking
- $695,000
- Range
- $340,000–$1,225,000
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 9
- Source marketplaces
- 6
- Model years available
- 1951–1967
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 180 | De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 1114 | — |
| Serious | 51 | — |
| Fatal | 87 | — |
| Fatalities | 166 | — |
| % Fatal | 8% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Cessna 180 | De Havilland DHC-2 BEAVER |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $121,500 – $304,430 | $340,000 – $1,225,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | — |
| Horsepower | 230 HP | — |
| Cruise Speed | 140 kts (259 km/h) | — |
| Range | 700 nm (1,296 km) | — |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,650 lbs (1,202 kg) | — |
| Useful Load | 1,400 lbs (635 kg) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 12.0 GPH (45 L/h) | — |
| TBO | 1,700 hrs | — |
| Overhaul Cost | $30,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $18,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $155 | — |
| Engines | 1 x Reciprocating | — |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 180
De Havilland DHC-2 BEAVER
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 180 or De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver?
Bottom line: Choose the Beaver for maximum load, float capability and big-radial/turbine bush hauling (the heavy-lift icon); choose the Cessna 180/185 for lower cost, higher speed and easier ownership. Beaver = heavy-lift bush; 180/185 = lighter/faster/value.
Pick the 180 if…
- Budget matters — from $121,500 vs $340,000, you save ~$218,500.
- More inventory — 50 listings vs 2.
Pick the DHC-2 Beaver if…
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.