De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver vs Cessna 180

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

De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver
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
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

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)De Havilland DHC-2 BeaverCessna 180
All events—1114
Serious—51
Fatal—87
Fatalities—166
% Fatal—8%
View full De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver NTSB record →View full Cessna 180 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model De Havilland DHC-2 BEAVER Cessna 180
De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver
View 2 listings →
Median $695,000
 Cessna 180
View 50 listings →
Median $180,000
Price Range $340,000 – $1,225,000 $121,500 – $304,430
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

Estimate

De Havilland DHC-2 BEAVER

Cessna 180

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

Which Should You Buy: De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver or Cessna 180?

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 DHC-2 Beaver if…

Pick the 180 if…

  • Budget matters — from $121,500 vs $340,000, you save ~$218,500.
  • More inventory — 50 listings vs 2.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, De Havilland DHC-2 BEAVER or Cessna 180?
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?
De Havilland DHC-2 BEAVER: from $650,000. Cessna 180: from $189,900. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver and Cessna 180?
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