Cessna A185F vs Maule M-7-235C
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Cessna A185F
- For sale now
- 27
- Median asking
- $305,000
- Range
- $195,225–$448,725
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 14
- Source marketplaces
- 7
- Model years available
- 1973–1985
Maule M-7-235C
- For sale now
- 9
- Median asking
- $225,000
- Range
- $189,500–$333,000
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 1
- Source marketplaces
- 1
- Model years available
- 1999–2021
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
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 A185F | Maule M-7-235C |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 308 | 16 |
| Serious | 13 | 1 |
| Fatal | 45 | 1 |
| Fatalities | 82 | 1 |
| % Fatal | 15% | 6% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna A185F | Maule M-7-235C |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $195,225 – $448,725 | $189,500 – $333,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 300 HP | — |
| Cruise Speed | 145 kts (269 km/h) | 124 kts (230 km/h) |
| Range | 720 nm (1,333 km) | 572 nm (1,059 km) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,350 lbs (1,520 kg) | — |
| Useful Load | 1,440 lbs (653 kg) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 15.5 GPH (59 L/h) | 13.0 GPH (49 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $35,000 | $28,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $22,000 | $15,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $175 | $140 |
| Engines | 1 x Reciprocating | 1 x Reciprocating |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna A185F
Fuel$85/hr
Variable$175/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$57,000/yr
Maule M-7-235C
Fuel$72/hr
Variable$140/hr
Annual Fixed$15,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$43,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna A185F or Maule M-7-235C?
Pick the A185F if…
- More seats — 6 vs 4.
- Faster cruise — 145 kts vs 124 kts.
- Longer range — 720 nm vs 572 nm.
- More inventory — 26 listings vs 5.
Pick the M-7-235C if…
- Budget matters — from $189,500 vs $195,225, you save ~$5,725.
- Lower operating cost — ~$140/hr vs $175/hr.
- Newer design — production from 1976 vs 1973.
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 A185F or Maule M-7-235C?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The A185F cruises at 145 kts with 720 nm range.
The M-7-235C cruises at 124 kts with 572 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna A185F: from $219,900.
Maule M-7-235C: from $225,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna A185F and Maule M-7-235C?
A185F engine: Continental IO-520-D (300 hp).
Seats: 6 vs 4.
Cruise: 145 vs 124 kts.
Range: 720 vs 572 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
A185F: about $175/hr variable cost.
M-7-235C: about $140/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?
A185F: 6 seats / 1,440 lb useful load.
M-7-235C: 4 seats.
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?
A185F: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$35,000.
M-7-235C: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$28,000.
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