185 Skywagon vs P2012 Traveller
The P2012 Traveller leads, topping 6 of 7 compared metrics.
The Cessna / Textron Aviation 185 Skywagon (introduced 1961) and the Tecnam P2012 Traveller (introduced 2019) are two aircraft buyers regularly weigh against each other. Both are utility, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is cabin capacity, where the P2012 Traveller carries more passengers. 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 P2012 Traveller: the key differences
- The P2012 Traveller delivers 32% more range (185 Skywagon: 720 nm; P2012 Traveller: 950 nm).
- The P2012 Traveller delivers 28% more cruise speed (185 Skywagon: 145 kt; P2012 Traveller: 185 kt).
- The P2012 Traveller delivers 83% more passenger capacity (185 Skywagon: 6 seats; P2012 Traveller: 11 seats).
- The P2012 Traveller is the newer design (introduced 2019 versus 1961 for the 185 Skywagon), a gap of 58 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The P2012 Traveller is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (8,113 lbs versus 3,350 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
- The two differ in powerplant layout: the 185 Skywagon runs 1 engine against 2 on the P2012 Traveller — a factor in redundancy, maintenance scope and operating cost.
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 P2012 Traveller 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 P2012 Traveller 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 P2012 Traveller: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the 185 Skywagon or the P2012 Traveller?
The P2012 Traveller has the longer published range — 950 nm versus 720 nm for the 185 Skywagon.
Does the 185 Skywagon or P2012 Traveller seat more passengers?
The P2012 Traveller carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 11 seats, compared with 6 on the 185 Skywagon.
Which is faster, the 185 Skywagon or the P2012 Traveller?
The P2012 Traveller cruises faster, at 185 kt versus 145 kt for the 185 Skywagon.
Which is newer, the 185 Skywagon or the P2012 Traveller?
The P2012 Traveller is the newer design, introduced in 2019 versus 1961 for the 185 Skywagon.
Is the 185 Skywagon or the P2012 Traveller the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the P2012 Traveller is the larger aircraft — 8,113 lbs versus 3,350 lbs for the 185 Skywagon.
Should I buy the 185 Skywagon or the P2012 Traveller?
On published specifications the P2012 Traveller 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 P2012 Traveller?
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.