Cessna 182T Skylane vs Piper Dakota (1979-1994)
Head-to-head — specs, at a glance.
iCessna 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)
Piper Dakota (1979-1994)
The Piper PA-28-235/236 lineage represents the biggest engine ever installed in the PA-28 Cherokee family, producing 235 horsepower from various Lycoming O-540 variants across a 30-year production run (1964-1994). The series began as the PA-28-235 Cherokee 235 in 1964, evolved through the Charger and Pathfinder marketing names in the 1970s, and culminated in the PA-28-236 Dakota from 1979 to 1994 -- the most refined version, featuring a tapered semi-tapered wing and a stretched fuselage.
- +Strong useful load (~1,400 lbs) for four-seat class
- +Genuine cross-country capability (650+ nm range)
- +Excellent parts and mechanic support across GA
- !Fuel consumption (14 GPH at 75% power) limits efficiency
- !Integral wing tanks prone to seam leaks in older airframes
- !O-540 engine overhaul is significant cost ($40k–$55k)
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