172 Skyhawk vs P2008
172 Skyhawk and P2008 are closely matched, each topping 3 of 7 metrics.
Cross-shopping the Cessna / Textron Aviation 172 Skyhawk (introduced 1955) against the Tecnam P2008 (introduced 2009) 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 cabin capacity, where the 172 Skyhawk carries more passengers. 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.
172 Skyhawk vs P2008: the key differences
- The P2008 delivers 3% more range (172 Skyhawk: 696 nm; P2008: 720 nm).
- The 172 Skyhawk delivers 2% more cruise speed (172 Skyhawk: 122 kt; P2008: 120 kt).
- The 172 Skyhawk delivers 100% more passenger capacity (172 Skyhawk: 4 seats; P2008: 2 seats).
- The P2008 is the newer design (introduced 2009 versus 1955 for the 172 Skyhawk), a gap of 54 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 1,320 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 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?
Choose the P2008 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the 172 Skyhawk when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the 172 Skyhawk 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
172 Skyhawk vs P2008: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the 172 Skyhawk or the P2008?
The P2008 has the longer published range — 720 nm versus 696 nm for the 172 Skyhawk.
Does the 172 Skyhawk or P2008 seat more passengers?
The 172 Skyhawk carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 4 seats, compared with 2 on the P2008.
Which is faster, the 172 Skyhawk or the P2008?
The 172 Skyhawk cruises faster, at 122 kt versus 120 kt for the P2008.
Which is newer, the 172 Skyhawk or the P2008?
The P2008 is the newer design, introduced in 2009 versus 1955 for the 172 Skyhawk.
Is the 172 Skyhawk or the P2008 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the 172 Skyhawk is the larger aircraft — 2,550 lbs versus 1,320 lbs for the P2008.
Should I buy the 172 Skyhawk or the P2008?
Choose the P2008 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the 172 Skyhawk when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the 172 Skyhawk 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 172 Skyhawk vs P2008?
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.