152 vs RV-12iS
The RV-12iS leads, topping 4 of 7 compared metrics.
Cross-shopping the Cessna / Textron Aviation 152 (introduced 1977) against the Van's Aircraft RV-12iS (introduced 2011) is a common decision, and the two sit closer on paper than the badges suggest. Both are trainers, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is range, where the RV-12iS has the advantage. Below we compare them spec by spec, then break down which aircraft suits which mission.
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
152 vs RV-12iS: the key differences
- The RV-12iS delivers 11% more range (152: 415 nm; RV-12iS: 460 nm).
- The RV-12iS delivers 11% more cruise speed (152: 107 kt; RV-12iS: 119 kt).
- The 152 and RV-12iS are evenly matched on passenger capacity, both at 2 seats.
- The RV-12iS is the newer design (introduced 2011 versus 1977 for the 152), a gap of 34 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The 152 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (1,670 lbs versus 1,320 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 152 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?
Choose the RV-12iS when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the 152 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the RV-12iS holds the cruise-speed edge. The right answer ultimately depends on acquisition cost, maintenance-program status, and what is actually available on the market — talk to our acquisition advisory team to pressure-test the choice against your missions and budget.
More comparisons
152 vs RV-12iS: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the 152 or the RV-12iS?
The RV-12iS has the longer published range — 460 nm versus 415 nm for the 152.
Which is faster, the 152 or the RV-12iS?
The RV-12iS cruises faster, at 119 kt versus 107 kt for the 152.
Which is newer, the 152 or the RV-12iS?
The RV-12iS is the newer design, introduced in 2011 versus 1977 for the 152.
Is the 152 or the RV-12iS the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the 152 is the larger aircraft — 1,670 lbs versus 1,320 lbs for the RV-12iS.
Should I buy the 152 or the RV-12iS?
Choose the RV-12iS when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the 152 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the RV-12iS holds the cruise-speed edge. The right answer ultimately depends on acquisition cost, maintenance-program status, and what is actually available on the market — talk to our acquisition advisory team to pressure-test the choice against your missions and budget.
Still weighing up the 152 vs RV-12iS?
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.