Cessna 182T Skylane vs Mooney M20R Ovation (1994-2008)
Head-to-head — specs, at a glance.
Cessna 182T Skylane
The 2001-present Cessna 182T is the **current production 182** and the first Skylane with a glass cockpit (Garmin G1000) from the factory. The 182T inherited the 182S's airframe, Lycoming IO-540 engine, 3,100 lb gross, and 88+ gallon fuel system, then upgraded the panel to G1000 (and later G1000 NXi starting around 2014), added GFC 700 autopilot integration, and refined production quality. Approximately 1,200+ examples have been delivered through 2026, and production continues at modest volumes (40-80 units per year).
- +Factory-integrated Garmin G1000/G1000 NXi glass cockpit with modern avionics
- +GFC 700 autopilot (post-2001) with simplified integration compared to retrofit alternatives
- +Still in active production with strong factory support and parts availability
- !G1000 database currency and software updates require active maintenance and subscription costs
- !GFC 700 autopilot repairs require specialized technicians; not all shops are equipped
- !IO-540 mid-time cylinder compression issues can develop; requires careful pre-buy inspection
Mooney M20R Ovation (1994-2008)
The 1994 Mooney M20R Ovation was a major step up in performance for the M20 line -- the first Mooney with a 6-cylinder Continental IO-550-G engine producing 280 HP, replacing the M20J's 200 HP Lycoming IO-360. The Ovation airframe stretched the cabin and added a taller cabin door on top of the M20J's redesigned long-body layout, and it is the naturally-aspirated counterpart to the turbocharged M20K/M20TN line -- same basic engine family strength as the Acclaim, no turbocharger, no manual-wastegate or dual-turbo complexity to manage.
- +1,300 NM range — longest non-turbo Mooney
- +190 KTAS cruise at 75% power — 20 KTAS faster than M20J
- +1,243 lbs useful load — strong payload for class
- !IO-550-G cylinder sensitivity — requires borescope inspection on all six
- !Complex cabin door seal design — water intrusion risk if deteriorated
- !Limited dealer support — Mooney's production history affects regional availability
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