To the uninitiated, the Cessna 172 and Cessna 182 are indistinguishable from every single other. Both are 4 seat, high wing planes with struts bracing each wing. But for pilots, they are substantially distinctive plane.
The main variation concerning the 172 and 182 are the engines. Both equally have been developed for over 40 years and throughout that time have arrive from the factory with a selection of engines. Considering the fact that the 172N was released in 1977, the manufacturing unit typical engine has made 160 hp. Prior to that 172 engines ranged from 145 to 160 hp. Numerous older aircraft have been upgraded in the immediately after market place to a lot more effective engines, like a well known 180 hp. version. All this kind of improvements are attained by means of a STC, or supplemental type certification issued by the FAA.
However the 182 has been driven by a many distinctive engines, regular non-turbo models have always weighed in at 230 hp. This big difference in horsepower has many implications. One particular is of course pace. The 182 is 15-20 knots a lot quicker than a 172. It can also climb 200 feet per minute a lot quicker. Ordinarily plane with even larger engines can elevate far more weight too. A normal late design 172 maximum weight is 2450 lbs, a 182 3100 lbs. Not all of that variance is helpful load, an vacant 182 is all over 300 lbs. heavier than its lesser cousin.
Not all of the dissimilarities between the 172 and 182 are as effortless to quantify as requirements and overall performance numbers. Getting heavier, the 182 is a additional stable plane than a 172. It isn’t going to bounce all-around fairly so substantially, and tends to track greater in the course you want it to go. This is a fantastic element if you intend to do considerably instrument traveling. (Flying in the clouds or without visible reference to the ground.)
With over 200 horsepower and a controllable pitch propeller, the 182 is also deemed a substantial performance plane. What this suggests is that further instruction is desired to be able to fly it, equally by regulation and needs of insurance plan providers.
As considerably as cost goes, a regular cost for a applied 1978 172 would be in the reduced $40,000’s, while a likewise equipped 182 would be at least $20,000 extra. A 182 will be additional highly-priced to possess much too. Insurance plan, inspections, engine overhauls and operating expenditures will all be additional. For example, a 182 will consume about 3 gallons per hour more fuel.
None of these things helps make one particular airplane greater than the other. What distinguishes a airplane is how you intend to use it. If you want a straightforward plane which is reasonably low cost to run, that calls for a 172. If you want to use your plane for transportation and intend to go into weather, a 182 would far better suit your intent.
Finally, as for distinguishing one plane from a different, the giveaway is the nose. A 182 has a fuller cowling section to cover the larger engine and a much more streamlined windscreen.