182 Skylane vs 210 Centurion
The 210 Centurion leads, topping 4 of 7 compared metrics.
Cross-shopping the Cessna / Textron Aviation 182 Skylane (introduced 1956) against the Cessna / Textron Aviation 210 Centurion (introduced 1960) is a common decision, and the two sit closer on paper than the badges suggest. Both are piston singles, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is cabin capacity, where the 210 Centurion 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.
182 Skylane vs 210 Centurion: the key differences
- The 182 Skylane delivers 2% more range (182 Skylane: 915 nm; 210 Centurion: 900 nm).
- The 210 Centurion delivers 17% more cruise speed (182 Skylane: 145 kt; 210 Centurion: 170 kt).
- The 210 Centurion delivers 50% more passenger capacity (182 Skylane: 4 seats; 210 Centurion: 6 seats).
- The 210 Centurion is the newer design (introduced 1960 versus 1956 for the 182 Skylane), a gap of 4 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The 210 Centurion is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (3,800 lbs versus 3,100 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 210 Centurion 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 182 Skylane when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the 210 Centurion when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the 210 Centurion 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
182 Skylane vs 210 Centurion: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the 182 Skylane or the 210 Centurion?
The 182 Skylane has the longer published range — 915 nm versus 900 nm for the 210 Centurion.
Does the 182 Skylane or 210 Centurion seat more passengers?
The 210 Centurion carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 6 seats, compared with 4 on the 182 Skylane.
Which is faster, the 182 Skylane or the 210 Centurion?
The 210 Centurion cruises faster, at 170 kt versus 145 kt for the 182 Skylane.
Which is newer, the 182 Skylane or the 210 Centurion?
The 210 Centurion is the newer design, introduced in 1960 versus 1956 for the 182 Skylane.
Is the 182 Skylane or the 210 Centurion the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the 210 Centurion is the larger aircraft — 3,800 lbs versus 3,100 lbs for the 182 Skylane.
Should I buy the 182 Skylane or the 210 Centurion?
Choose the 182 Skylane when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the 210 Centurion when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the 210 Centurion 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 182 Skylane vs 210 Centurion?
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.