The Cessna 180 and 185 are both classic airplanes that share far more in common with each other than they differ.
This is for good reason, considering that the Cessna 185 was developed from the 180.
Both planes have a history of use in civil and military aviation, with both being widely used in bush flying, and for the commercial transport of passengers and freight.
Today, they are popular with both air charter companies and private individual owners.
Let’s take a closer look at each plane, as well as the key differences between the two.
Note: The AgCarryall option was an agricultural aircraft that featured an external 151-gallon chemical tank, removable spray booms with 30 nozzles, wind-driven spray system, windshield wire cutters, and vertical stabilizer cable deflector
Military:
U-17A: Military version of the 185E, equipped with a 260hp Continental IO-470-F piston engine
U-17B: Military version of the A185E, equipped with a 300hp Continental IO-520-D piston engine
U-17C: Four seats, powered by a Continental IO-470-L piston engine
Cessna 180 vs 185 Key Differences
The Cessna 180 and 185 both share the same fuselage, control surfaces, wings, horizontal stabilizer, and main landing gear.
However, there are also a few key differences between them.
Engine
The main difference between the Cessna 180 and 185 is engine power.
The Cessna 180 has a carbureted Continental 0-470-U engine rated at 230 horsepower.
The Cessna 185 has a fuel-injected Continental IO-520-D engine rated at 260 horsepower.
The 185 engine also has a maximum continuous horsepower rating of 285, with 300hp allowable for five minutes at takeoff.
Fuel Burn
Due to its smaller engine, the Cessna 180 is the right choice when it comes to more efficient fuel-burn.
It, therefore, has a better range than the 185 (890 nm vs. 720 nm).
This is ideal in more remote areas where there is a lack of refueling facilities, or you are otherwise unable to refuel.
The Cessna 180 burns 3-4 fewer gallons an hour, making it the more economical choice.
Power
The Cessna 185 is the more powerful of the two, making it more suitable when a pilot needs to operate on wheel-skis or floats due to its much better takeoff and load-carrying performance.
Controls
The Cessna 180 is lighter on the controls than the 185.
Due to its lighter gross weight and thanks to its larger tires, the 180 is better at getting in and out of very short runways.
However, both the 180 and 185 can make crosswind landings on wheels a bit of a challenge.
How Much Does a Cessna 180 and Cessna 185 Cost Today?
Helen Krasner holds a PPL(A), with 15 years experience flying fixed-wing aircraft; a PPL(H), with 13 years experience flying helicopters; and a CPL(H), Helicopter Instructor Rating, with 12 years working as a helicopter instructor.
Helen is an accomplished aviation writer with 12 years of experience, having authored several books and published numerous articles while also serving as the Editor of the BWPA (British Women Pilots Association) newsletter, with her excellent work having been recognized with her nomination of the “Aviation Journalist of the Year” award.
Helen has won the “Dawn to Dusk” International Flying Competition, along with the best all-female competitors, three times with her copilot.
