185 Skywagon vs P-750 XSTOL
The P-750 XSTOL leads, topping 5 of 7 compared metrics.
Cross-shopping the Cessna / Textron Aviation 185 Skywagon (introduced 1961) against the Pacific Aerospace P-750 XSTOL (introduced 2001) 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 P-750 XSTOL carries more passengers. We line the numbers up below, then translate them into the mission each aircraft actually wins.
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185 Skywagon vs P-750 XSTOL: the key differences
- The P-750 XSTOL delivers 57% more range (185 Skywagon: 720 nm; P-750 XSTOL: 1,130 nm).
- The 185 Skywagon delivers 4% more cruise speed (185 Skywagon: 145 kt; P-750 XSTOL: 140 kt).
- The P-750 XSTOL delivers 67% more passenger capacity (185 Skywagon: 6 seats; P-750 XSTOL: 10 seats).
- The P-750 XSTOL is the newer design (introduced 2001 versus 1961 for the 185 Skywagon), a gap of 40 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The P-750 XSTOL is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (7,500 lbs versus 3,350 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
Which mission suits which aircraft
The P-750 XSTOL is the stronger fit for regional and short-to-medium legs — its 1,130 nm of range removes fuel stops on those legs. The 185 Skywagon, at 720 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 185 Skywagon's range, the P-750 XSTOL's extra capability is range you pay to carry but rarely use.
Which should you choose?
On published specifications the P-750 XSTOL leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The 185 Skywagon 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 P-750 XSTOL: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the 185 Skywagon or the P-750 XSTOL?
The P-750 XSTOL has the longer published range — 1,130 nm versus 720 nm for the 185 Skywagon.
Does the 185 Skywagon or P-750 XSTOL seat more passengers?
The P-750 XSTOL carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 10 seats, compared with 6 on the 185 Skywagon.
Which is faster, the 185 Skywagon or the P-750 XSTOL?
The 185 Skywagon cruises faster, at 145 kt versus 140 kt for the P-750 XSTOL.
Which is newer, the 185 Skywagon or the P-750 XSTOL?
The P-750 XSTOL is the newer design, introduced in 2001 versus 1961 for the 185 Skywagon.
Is the 185 Skywagon or the P-750 XSTOL the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the P-750 XSTOL is the larger aircraft — 7,500 lbs versus 3,350 lbs for the 185 Skywagon.
Should I buy the 185 Skywagon or the P-750 XSTOL?
On published specifications the P-750 XSTOL leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The 185 Skywagon 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 P-750 XSTOL?
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.