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).
- +Current production 182 with factory G1000/G1000 NXi glass cockpit
- +GFC 700 autopilot integrated; modern avionics capability without retrofit
- +Proven IO-540 engine, well-supported with 2,000 hr TBO
- !G1000 database and software updates require ongoing subscription and maintenance
- !GFC 700 autopilot repairs are specialized and costly
- !IO-540 cylinders can develop compression issues at mid-time; expensive overhaul ($32K–$42K)
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 added a stretched cabin, taller cabin door, and refined fuselage aerodynamics on top of the M20J's redesigned long-body layout.
- +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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