A Quick Comparison Between Cessna 172S and Tecnam P2010

The Cessna 172S and the Tecnam P2010 are popular single-engine, four-seat, high-wing aircraft often used for training, recreational flying, and personal transport. Here’s a detailed comparison of their features:

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1. General Overview

Feature	Cessna 172S	Tecnam P2010
Manufacturer	Cessna (Textron Aviation)	Tecnam (Italy)
Role	Training, personal use	Training, personal use
First Introduced	1956 (172 series), S model: 1998	2010
Design	All-metal construction	Composite fuselage with metal wings

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2. Performance

Feature	Cessna 172S	Tecnam P2010
Engine	Lycoming IO-360-L2A (180 hp)	Lycoming IO-360-M1A (180 hp) or Lycoming IO-390-C3B6 (215 hp)
Cruise Speed	~124 knots	~145 knots (IO-390)
Maximum Range	~640 nm	~660 nm (IO-390)
Service Ceiling	~14,000 ft	~18,000 ft
Takeoff Distance	~960 ft	~1,000 ft

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3. Comfort and Features

Feature	Cessna 172S	Tecnam P2010
Cabin Space	Spacious, practical	Larger cabin, luxury interiors
Seating Capacity	4	4
Avionics	Garmin G1000 NXi	Garmin G1000 NXi
Build Quality	Durable, proven design	Modern, lightweight materials
Noise	Standard	Generally quieter due to composite structure

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4. Operational Considerations

Feature	Cessna 172S	Tecnam P2010
Fuel Type	100LL Avgas	100LL Avgas (or Jet-A1 for diesel option)
Fuel Capacity	56 gallons	63 gallons
Fuel Efficiency	Moderate	Slightly better due to aerodynamics
Maintenance	Widespread support, low costs	Newer design, fewer service centers

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5. Cost

Feature	Cessna 172S	Tecnam P2010
Base Price (New)	~$430,000 USD	~$450,000–$500,000 USD (varies by engine)
Operating Cost	Lower due to simpler systems	Slightly higher due to advanced features

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Key Advantages

• Cessna 172S:

• Proven design, decades of reliability.

• Well-suited for flight training with widespread maintenance and parts availability.

• Lower acquisition and operating costs.

• Tecnam P2010:

• Modern design with better aerodynamics and speed.

• Luxurious, spacious interior.

• Composite fuselage enhances comfort and reduces noise.

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Conclusion

The Cessna 172S is ideal for those seeking a cost-effective, reliable, and proven aircraft, especially for training purposes. The Tecnam P2010 appeals to those who prioritize modern design, speed, and comfort, making it a great option for personal and cross-country flying. The choice depends on your specific needs and budget.