182 Skylane vs M350
The M350 leads, topping 6 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the Cessna / Textron Aviation 182 Skylane (introduced 1956) beside the Piper Aircraft M350 (introduced 2015) and the trade-offs sharpen fast. Both are piston singles, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is cabin capacity, where the M350 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 M350: the key differences
- The M350 delivers 47% more range (182 Skylane: 915 nm; M350: 1,343 nm).
- The M350 delivers 47% more cruise speed (182 Skylane: 145 kt; M350: 213 kt).
- The M350 delivers 50% more passenger capacity (182 Skylane: 4 seats; M350: 6 seats).
- The M350 is the newer design (introduced 2015 versus 1956 for the 182 Skylane), a gap of 59 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The M350 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (4,358 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 M350 is the stronger fit for regional and short-to-medium legs — its 1,343 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 M350's extra capability is range you pay to carry but rarely use.
Which should you choose?
On published specifications the M350 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The 182 Skylane 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.
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182 Skylane vs M350: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the 182 Skylane or the M350?
The M350 has the longer published range — 1,343 nm versus 915 nm for the 182 Skylane.
Does the 182 Skylane or M350 seat more passengers?
The M350 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 M350?
The M350 cruises faster, at 213 kt versus 145 kt for the 182 Skylane.
Which is newer, the 182 Skylane or the M350?
The M350 is the newer design, introduced in 2015 versus 1956 for the 182 Skylane.
Is the 182 Skylane or the M350 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the M350 is the larger aircraft — 4,358 lbs versus 3,100 lbs for the 182 Skylane.
Should I buy the 182 Skylane or the M350?
On published specifications the M350 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The 182 Skylane 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 182 Skylane vs M350?
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.