It seems like there are two basic airframes in the Cessna line.
A small one that runs from the 170 to the 180 and a big one that starts with the 210 an includes the 205 and 206 then gets stretched in lots of ways to a 207 and 208?
Not sure where the 182 and185 sits. How do they fit in?
Is that right?
Is the inside width and length the same in all the planes in a "family"
Would 2 big pilots be as comfortable in the front seats of a 170/172 as in a 180? Can I carry as long a fishing pole in both?
Can someone explain or chart the airframe differences for me?

Can’t explain the fuselage differences, but 2 are more comfortable in a 180 than a 172, 68 172 and a 61 180.

I do know that the wings of the 100 series are very much the same.

Rod

I’ll take a crack at it. Cessna 170, 172, 175, 180, 1956-1961 182, 185, and I believe the 1960-1961 210 all have 40 inch wide cabins. The 1962 and later 182 (Omni-vision) and 210, as well all 205s, 206s, and 207s were 44inch wide cabins. Note that the 172 didn’t get a wider cabin in 1962 with the Omni vision fuselage. Also the 1960 and later 180s as well as the 182 (until they switched to the Omni vision fuselage) share the same fuselage as the 185. The main difference between this and the 170,172,175 fuselage is the bulkhead just behind the aft carry thru spar is about 1.5” taller. This is to add more headroom for the 5th and 6th seat 180-185 models.

Wa180 wrote:Can’t explain the fuselage differences, but 2 are more comfortable in a 180 than a 172, 68 172 and a 61 180.

Rod

?
Only reason 2 would be more comfortable in the front of a 180 over a 172 is horsepower, the cabins are the same size. Does your 180 have more adjustable seats?

Can’t say I feel any difference sitting in my ‘56 182 or my Dad’s 170A with 2 people. Although the visibility over the nose from the 170 can’t be beat.

Are they pretty much the same length from the firewall back?

Goldinthecreek wrote:Are they pretty much the same length from the firewall back?

For the 170, 172, 175, 180, 182, 185... yes

The 177 is a completely different airframe; large doors, no struts, different tail feathers...

How does the 177 compare in cabin width?

A quick google search says the 177 cabin is 48” wide at the shoulders. Somehow that doesn’t seem right but maybe it is. I have a handful of hours in a 177RG and the cabin is noticeably roomier.