182 Skylane vs M20V Acclaim Ultra
The M20V Acclaim Ultra leads, topping 5 of 7 compared metrics.
The Cessna / Textron Aviation 182 Skylane (introduced 1956) and the Mooney International M20V Acclaim Ultra (introduced 2016) are two aircraft buyers regularly weigh against each other. Both are piston singles, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is range, where the M20V Acclaim Ultra 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.
182 Skylane vs M20V Acclaim Ultra: the key differences
- The M20V Acclaim Ultra delivers 39% more range (182 Skylane: 915 nm; M20V Acclaim Ultra: 1,275 nm).
- The M20V Acclaim Ultra delivers 67% more cruise speed (182 Skylane: 145 kt; M20V Acclaim Ultra: 242 kt).
- The 182 Skylane and M20V Acclaim Ultra are evenly matched on passenger capacity, both at 4 seats.
- The M20V Acclaim Ultra is the newer design (introduced 2016 versus 1956 for the 182 Skylane), a gap of 60 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The M20V Acclaim Ultra is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (3,368 lbs versus 3,100 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
Which mission suits which aircraft
The M20V Acclaim Ultra is the stronger fit for regional and short-to-medium legs — its 1,275 nm of range removes fuel stops on those legs. The 182 Skylane, at 915 nm, is better matched to short-haul and regional hops, where lower trip cost counts for more than outright reach. If most of your flying sits inside the 182 Skylane's range, the M20V Acclaim Ultra's extra capability is range you pay to carry but rarely use.
Which should you choose?
Choose the M20V Acclaim Ultra when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the 182 Skylane when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the M20V Acclaim Ultra 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.
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182 Skylane vs M20V Acclaim Ultra: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the 182 Skylane or the M20V Acclaim Ultra?
The M20V Acclaim Ultra has the longer published range — 1,275 nm versus 915 nm for the 182 Skylane.
Which is faster, the 182 Skylane or the M20V Acclaim Ultra?
The M20V Acclaim Ultra cruises faster, at 242 kt versus 145 kt for the 182 Skylane.
Which is newer, the 182 Skylane or the M20V Acclaim Ultra?
The M20V Acclaim Ultra is the newer design, introduced in 2016 versus 1956 for the 182 Skylane.
Is the 182 Skylane or the M20V Acclaim Ultra the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the M20V Acclaim Ultra is the larger aircraft — 3,368 lbs versus 3,100 lbs for the 182 Skylane.
Should I buy the 182 Skylane or the M20V Acclaim Ultra?
Choose the M20V Acclaim Ultra when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the 182 Skylane when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the M20V Acclaim Ultra 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 M20V Acclaim Ultra?
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.