Cessna 182T Skylane vs Piper Saratoga (NA Retractable, 1980-2009)
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 Saratoga (NA Retractable, 1980-2009)
The Piper PA-32R is the retractable-gear version of the PA-32 family, produced from 1976 through 2009 under several names: Lance, Lance II, and Saratoga. It is one of the most capable six-seat, single-engine airplanes ever produced -- a fast, roomy, long-legged cross-country machine that carries big loads over serious distances.
- +Fast, comfortable six-seat cross-country cruiser (158 KTAS, 740+ nm range)
- +Excellent useful load (1,430 lbs) for cargo and passengers
- +Widely supported engine (Lycoming IO-540) with good parts availability
- !Retractable gear is maintenance-intensive and expensive to operate
- !High fuel consumption (18 GPH) makes local flying costly
- !Wing spar life limits now subject to mandatory inspections and eventual replacement
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