Cessna P210 vs Cessna 206

The Cessna P210 (pressurised six-seat retractable, ~210+ kt with turbo) is the pressurised variant of the 210 Centurion; the 206 (unpressurised six-seat fixed-gear, ~140-150 kt) is the utility six-seater.

Live Market Snapshot

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

Cessna P210
For sale now
25
Median asking
$557,500
Range
$207,750–$956,175
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
6
Source marketplaces
9
Model years available
1978–1982
Cessna 206
For sale now
160
Median asking
$470,636
Range
$171,175–$898,750
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
63
Source marketplaces
20
Model years available
1962–2026

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 P210 — 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

Cessna 206 — 0 generations

GenerationYearsEngineMTOWCruiseRangeFor sale

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 P210Cessna 206
All events257292
Serious3923
Fatal7355
Fatalities152147
% Fatal28%19%

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Cessna P210 Cessna 206
Cessna P210
View 25 listings →
Median $557,500
Cessna 206
View 160 listings →
Median $470,636
Price Range $207,750 – $956,175 $171,175 – $898,750
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 6 6
Horsepower 260–325 HP 300 HP
Cruise Speed 160–200 kts (370 km/h) 142 kts (263 km/h)
Range 700–1,000 nm (1,852 km) 840 nm (1,556 km)
Service Ceiling 23,000 ft (7,010 m) 15,700 ft (4,785 m)
Max Gross Weight 2900–4,000 lbs (1,814 kg) 3,600 lbs (1,633 kg)
Useful Load 1,200 lbs (544 kg) 1,400 lbs (635 kg)
Fuel Capacity 90.0 gal (341 L) 92.0 gal (348 L)
Fuel Burn 16.0 GPH (61 L/h) 14.5 GPH (55 L/h)
TBO 1,800 hrs 2,000 hrs
Overhaul Cost $35,000 $35,000
Annual Fixed $22,000 $22,000
Hourly Variable $190 $175
Engines 1 x Piston (Turbocharged) 1 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Cessna P210

Fuel$88/hr
Variable$190/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $60,000/yr

Cessna 206

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

Which Should You Buy: Cessna P210 or Cessna 206?

Bottom line: Choose the P210 for pressurisation and the highest-cruise piston six-seat Cessna ever built — the cross-country flagship. Choose the unpressurised 210 for materially lower acquisition cost; choose the 206 for the lowest-cost six-seat Cessna ownership with utility capability. ================================================================ # CESSNA TWINS — INTRA (6) ================================================================

Pick the P210 if…

  • Faster cruise — 180 kts vs 142 kts.
  • Longer range — 850 nm vs 840 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 1978 vs 1964.

Pick the 206 if…

  • Budget matters — from $171,175 vs $207,750, you save ~$36,575.
  • Lower operating cost — ~$175/hr vs $190/hr.
  • More inventory — 160 listings vs 25.

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 P210 or Cessna 206?
It depends on your mission and budget. The P210 cruises at 180 kts with 850 nm range. The 206 cruises at 142 kts with 840 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna P210: from $895,000. Cessna 206: from $724,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna P210 and Cessna 206?
P210 engine: Continental TSIO-520-R (310 hp). 206 engine: Lycoming IO-540-AC1A5 (300 hp). Cruise: 180 vs 142 kts. Range: 850 vs 840 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
P210: about $190/hr variable cost. 206: 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?
P210: 6 seats / 1,200 lb useful load. 206: 6 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?
P210: 1,800-hour TBO, overhaul ~$35,000. 206: 2,000-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