185 Skywagon vs 207 Stationair 8
The 185 Skywagon leads, topping 5 of 7 compared metrics.
Cross-shopping the Cessna / Textron Aviation 185 Skywagon (introduced 1961) against the Cessna / Textron Aviation 207 Stationair 8 (introduced 1969) is a common decision, and the two sit closer on paper than the badges suggest. Both are utility, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is cabin capacity, where the 207 Stationair 8 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.
185 Skywagon vs 207 Stationair 8: the key differences
- The 185 Skywagon delivers 17% more range (185 Skywagon: 720 nm; 207 Stationair 8: 615 nm).
- The 185 Skywagon delivers 2% more cruise speed (185 Skywagon: 145 kt; 207 Stationair 8: 142 kt).
- The 207 Stationair 8 delivers 33% more passenger capacity (185 Skywagon: 6 seats; 207 Stationair 8: 8 seats).
- The 207 Stationair 8 is the newer design (introduced 1969 versus 1961 for the 185 Skywagon), a gap of 8 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The 207 Stationair 8 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (3,800 lbs versus 3,350 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 207 Stationair 8 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 185 Skywagon when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the 207 Stationair 8 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the 185 Skywagon 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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185 Skywagon vs 207 Stationair 8: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the 185 Skywagon or the 207 Stationair 8?
The 185 Skywagon has the longer published range — 720 nm versus 615 nm for the 207 Stationair 8.
Does the 185 Skywagon or 207 Stationair 8 seat more passengers?
The 207 Stationair 8 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 8 seats, compared with 6 on the 185 Skywagon.
Which is faster, the 185 Skywagon or the 207 Stationair 8?
The 185 Skywagon cruises faster, at 145 kt versus 142 kt for the 207 Stationair 8.
Which is newer, the 185 Skywagon or the 207 Stationair 8?
The 207 Stationair 8 is the newer design, introduced in 1969 versus 1961 for the 185 Skywagon.
Is the 185 Skywagon or the 207 Stationair 8 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the 207 Stationair 8 is the larger aircraft — 3,800 lbs versus 3,350 lbs for the 185 Skywagon.
Should I buy the 185 Skywagon or the 207 Stationair 8?
Choose the 185 Skywagon when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the 207 Stationair 8 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the 185 Skywagon 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 185 Skywagon vs 207 Stationair 8?
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.