185 Skywagon vs T206H Stationair
The T206H Stationair leads, topping 3 of 7 compared metrics.
Cross-shopping the Cessna / Textron Aviation 185 Skywagon (introduced 1961) against the Cessna / Textron Aviation T206H Stationair (introduced 1998) 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. On paper they are closely matched, so the decision usually turns on cabin, economics and availability. The spec-by-spec breakdown below is followed by a mission-fit read and a buyer's recommendation.
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
185 Skywagon vs T206H Stationair: the key differences
- The 185 Skywagon delivers 4% more range (185 Skywagon: 720 nm; T206H Stationair: 693 nm).
- The T206H Stationair delivers 7% more cruise speed (185 Skywagon: 145 kt; T206H Stationair: 155 kt).
- The 185 Skywagon and T206H Stationair are evenly matched on passenger capacity, both at 6 seats.
- The T206H Stationair is the newer design (introduced 1998 versus 1961 for the 185 Skywagon), a gap of 37 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The T206H Stationair is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (3,600 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 185 Skywagon 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?
On published specifications the 185 Skywagon leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The T206H Stationair 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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185 Skywagon vs T206H Stationair: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the 185 Skywagon or the T206H Stationair?
The 185 Skywagon has the longer published range — 720 nm versus 693 nm for the T206H Stationair.
Which is faster, the 185 Skywagon or the T206H Stationair?
The T206H Stationair cruises faster, at 155 kt versus 145 kt for the 185 Skywagon.
Which is newer, the 185 Skywagon or the T206H Stationair?
The T206H Stationair is the newer design, introduced in 1998 versus 1961 for the 185 Skywagon.
Is the 185 Skywagon or the T206H Stationair the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the T206H Stationair is the larger aircraft — 3,600 lbs versus 3,350 lbs for the 185 Skywagon.
Should I buy the 185 Skywagon or the T206H Stationair?
On published specifications the 185 Skywagon leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The T206H Stationair 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 185 Skywagon vs T206H Stationair?
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.