Cessna 205 vs Cessna 210

Live Market Snapshot

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

Cessna 205
For sale now
6
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
1
Source marketplaces
3
Model years available
1962–1963
Cessna 210
For sale now
177
Median asking
$249,750
Range
$90,200–$695,000
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
56
Source marketplaces
17
Model years available
1960–2021

Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.

Generations Breakdown

Per-generation specs — engine/weight/performance differ materially across production eras.

Per-era “For sale” counts exclude listings with unspecified year and separate variants (RG retractable, Hawk XP), so they may not sum to the total above.

Cessna 205 — 0 generations

GenerationYearsEngineMTOWCruiseRangeFor sale

Cessna 210 — 4 generations

GenerationYearsEngineMTOWCruiseRangeFor sale
210 IO-470 (260hp) 1960–1963 Continental IO-470-E 2900 160 700 24
210 IO-520 (NA) 1964–1986 Continental IO-520-A/L 3800 171 900 43
T210 Turbo 1966–1986 Continental TSIO-520-R 3800 193 950 57
P210 Pressurized 1978–1986 Continental TSIO-520-P 4000 200 1000 53

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 205Cessna 210
All events44819
Serious364
Fatal12192
Fatalities44413
% Fatal27%23%

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Cessna 205 Cessna 210
Cessna 205
View 6 listings →
Median $174,450
Cessna 210
View 176 listings →
Median $249,750
Price Range $145,750 – $234,900 $90,200 – $695,000
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 6 6
Horsepower 260 HP 260–325 HP
Cruise Speed 140 kts (259 km/h) 160–200 kts (370 km/h)
Range 700 nm (1,296 km) 700–1,000 nm (1,852 km)
Service Ceiling 17,300 ft (5,273 m)
Max Gross Weight 3,300 lbs (1,497 kg) 2900–4,000 lbs (1,814 kg)
Useful Load 1,400 lbs (635 kg) 1,310 lbs (594 kg)
Fuel Capacity 90.0 gal (341 L)
Fuel Burn 14.5 GPH (55 L/h)
TBO 1,500 hrs 1,700 hrs
Overhaul Cost $35,000
Annual Fixed $22,000
Hourly Variable $175
Engines 1 x Piston 1 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Cessna 205

Cessna 210

Fuel$80/hr
Variable$175/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $57,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Cessna 205 or Cessna 210?

Pick the 205 if…

  • Newer design — production from 1963 vs 1960.

Pick the 210 if…

  • Budget matters — from $90,200 vs $145,750, you save ~$55,550.
  • Faster cruise — 160 kts vs 140 kts.
  • More inventory — 176 listings vs 6.

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 205 or Cessna 210?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 205 cruises at 140 kts with 700 nm range. The 210 cruises at 160 kts with 700 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 205: from $189,900. Cessna 210: from $254,900. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 205 and Cessna 210?
205 engine: Continental O-470-S (260 hp). 210 engine: Continental (260 hp). Cruise: 140 vs 160 kts. Range: 700 vs 700 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
210: about $175/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?
205: 6 seats / 1,400 lb useful load. 210: 6 seats / 1,310 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?
205: 1,500-hour TBO. 210: 1,700-hour TBO, overhaul ~$35,000. 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