Cessna 180 vs Maule M-7

The Maule M-7 and Cessna 180/185 are four/five-seat STOL utility taildraggers — the Maule the value short-field hauler, the Cessna 180/185 the heavier-built, higher-resale classic.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily

Cessna 180
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
Maule M-7

No active listings right now.

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 180Maule M-7
All events111475
Serious515
Fatal875
Fatalities1668
% Fatal8%7%
View full Cessna 180 NTSB record →View full Maule M-7 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Cessna 180 Maule M-7
Cessna 180
View 50 listings →
Median $180,000
Price Range $121,500 – $304,430 —
Category 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

Estimate

Cessna 180

Fuel$66/hr
Variable$155/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $49,000/yr

Maule M-7

Which Should You Buy: Cessna 180 or Maule M-7?

Bottom line: Choose the Cessna 180/185 for build quality, payload and strong resale (the premium bush hauler); choose the Maule M-7 for excellent STOL performance and four-seat utility at a much lower price. Cessna 180/185 = payload/resale; Maule = STOL/value.

Pick the 180 if…

Pick the M-7 if…

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Cessna 180 or Maule M-7?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 180 cruises at 140 kts with 700 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 180: from $189,900. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 180 and Maule M-7?
180 engine: Continental O-470-K (230 hp).
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
180: about $155/hr variable cost. Variable cost includes fuel, reserves and overhaul accruals. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add to the total.
Which has more seats and useful load?
180: 4 seats / 1,400 lb useful load. Useful load = max gross weight minus empty weight; it determines how much fuel plus payload you can carry.
How does maintenance compare — TBO and overhaul cost?
180: 1,700-hour TBO, overhaul ~$30,000. Reaching the time-between-overhaul (TBO) triggers a mandatory engine/airframe rebuild that affects resale value.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.
Prices updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data