Glide Guide: Cessna 152 vs 172

History of the Cessna 152

Though the Cessna 152 hasn't been produced in more than 40 years, it's still one of the most popular training aircraft for young, inexperienced pilots. It was first produced during the 1978 model year and based on the design of its predecessor, the Cessna 150. Cessna intended for the 152 to compete against other newer aircraft models that were introduced around that time, including the Piper Tomahawk and the Beechcraft Skipper.

Most 152s were built at Cessna's factory in Kansas before production was discontinued in 1985. There are four 152 models, including:

• The basic two-seat 152
• The A152 Aerobat
• The F152
• The FA152 Aerobat



Nearly 7,600 Cessna 152s were built before production was discontinued.

Key Features and Specs

Powered by a Lycoming O-235 engine, the Cessna 152 is a two-seat aircraft known for its small footprint and ease of flying — two key characteristics that have helped it become among the most preferred aircraft for pilots in training. Some key specs include:



• Range of 477 miles
• Cruise speed of 123 miles per hour
• The aircraft weighs 1,080 lbs
• Wingspan of 32.8 feet
• Total length of about 24 feet
  

History of the Cessna 172

The Cessna 172 Skyhawk is essentially a larger version of the Cessna 152. A four-seat, single-engine, high-wing aircraft, the 172 was introduced to the market in 1956, discontinued in 1986 when Cessna halted production on all of its light aircraft, and then reintroduced to the market in 1996. To this day, the Cessna 172 is still in production.

Among the most produced and most popular aircraft in aviation history, tens of thousands of units have been produced to date. About 20 variants of the Censsa 172 have been produced.

Key Features and Specs

Depending on the period the Cessna 172 was built will dictate the engine that's powering it. Older models were powered by a Lycoming engine, while newer models built following its 1996 reboot in production are typically powered by a Continental engine. Compared to the Cessna 152, the 172 is larger, more powerful, and more economical. Here's a look at the key specs for the base 172 model:



• Range of 736 miles
• Cruise speed of 140 miles per hour
• The aircraft weighs 1,690 pounds
• Wingspan of 36 feet
• Length of just over 26 feet
  

Similarities Between 152 & 172

As we said in the introduction, the 152 and the 172 are both ideal aircraft for training on. In fact, many young pilots will start their training on the Cessna 152 before moving on to the larger, more powerful 172 once their skill level reaches a certain point. Here's a look at some of the other key similarities between these two types of aircraft:

Differences Between 152 & 172

While there are notable similarities between the Cessna 152 and 172, there are also some key differences that pilots should be aware of when choosing between the two aircraft. Here's a closer look at some of these key differences:

• Size: The Cessna 172 is a bigger aircraft. Though only a few feet longer in overall size, it seats up to four (compared to the two-seat 152) and also offers more legroom and a more spacious cockpit for pilots and passengers.
• Power: The 172 also features a more powerful engine than the 152, allowing it to fly faster and at a faster cruise speed. In terms of horsepower, 152 base models are powered by a 110-horsepower Lycoming engine. The 172 is either powered by a Continental engine or a Lycoming engine. Depending on the engine, the typical horsepower is typically between 145 and 180.
• Price point: Cessna 152s are considerably more affordable than 172s. It's common to be able to purchase a 152 anywhere from $50,000 to $150,000 depending on the condition of the aircraft. Cessna 172s often range from $70,000 for a used model and several hundred thousand dollars for a new one.
• Load capacity: The larger Cessna 172 has a greater useful load than the smaller Cessna 152. Expect the 152 to have a load capacity of around 600 pounds, while the 172's capacity is closer to 900 pounds.
  

Which Plane is Right for You?

So what plane is right for you and your situation? Like any major decision, it depends on a variety of factors. Some of the leading factors that you'll want to weigh when selecting between the Cessna 152 and 172 models include your aircraft needs, your budget, and your preferences. If you prefer a faster, larger aircraft, the 172 is the better option. But if you're on more of a limited budget and just need something to fly, the 152 will likely more than suffice.

Find a Cessna Aircraft for Sale at J.A. Air Center!

For more information on the Cessna 152 and 172 models and to browse our selection of Cessna aircraft for sale, contact J.A. Air Center today.