152 vs 172 Skyhawk
The 172 Skyhawk leads, topping 5 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the Cessna / Textron Aviation 152 (introduced 1977) beside the Cessna / Textron Aviation 172 Skyhawk (introduced 1955) and the trade-offs sharpen fast. Both are trainers, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is cabin capacity, where the 172 Skyhawk carries more passengers. undefined
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152 vs 172 Skyhawk: the key differences
- The 172 Skyhawk delivers 68% more range (152: 415 nm; 172 Skyhawk: 696 nm).
- The 172 Skyhawk delivers 14% more cruise speed (152: 107 kt; 172 Skyhawk: 122 kt).
- The 172 Skyhawk delivers 100% more passenger capacity (152: 2 seats; 172 Skyhawk: 4 seats).
- The 152 is the newer design (introduced 1977 versus 1955 for the 172 Skyhawk), a gap of 22 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The 172 Skyhawk is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (2,550 lbs versus 1,670 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
Which mission suits which aircraft
Both aircraft are built for short-haul and regional hops, so outright range rarely separates them — the call leans on cabin (the 172 Skyhawk seats more), trip economics and what is actually available on the market. Match the airframe to how you fly most weeks, not to the headline range figure.
Which should you choose?
On published specifications the 172 Skyhawk leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The 152 can still be the smarter buy on acquisition cost, operating economics, runway performance, or current availability — the factors that rarely show up in a spec sheet. Our acquisition advisory team can model both against your actual mission profile before you commit.
More comparisons
152 vs 172 Skyhawk: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the 152 or the 172 Skyhawk?
The 172 Skyhawk has the longer published range — 696 nm versus 415 nm for the 152.
Does the 152 or 172 Skyhawk seat more passengers?
The 172 Skyhawk carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 4 seats, compared with 2 on the 152.
Which is faster, the 152 or the 172 Skyhawk?
The 172 Skyhawk cruises faster, at 122 kt versus 107 kt for the 152.
Which is newer, the 152 or the 172 Skyhawk?
The 152 is the newer design, introduced in 1977 versus 1955 for the 172 Skyhawk.
Is the 152 or the 172 Skyhawk the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the 172 Skyhawk is the larger aircraft — 2,550 lbs versus 1,670 lbs for the 152.
Should I buy the 152 or the 172 Skyhawk?
On published specifications the 172 Skyhawk leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The 152 can still be the smarter buy on acquisition cost, operating economics, runway performance, or current availability — the factors that rarely show up in a spec sheet. Our acquisition advisory team can model both against your actual mission profile before you commit.
Still weighing up the 152 vs 172 Skyhawk?
Specs only take you so far. Our advisors give an independent recommendation based on your mission, budget and how you actually fly — and represent your side through to purchase.