Cessna finally built a piston-engined aircraft for speed with the Cessna 210. The aircraft is based on the Cessna 180 airframe. Originally certificated in 1959 as a 2,900 pound airplane, it was modified until it became over 4,000 pounds with turbocharging (T210) or pressurization (P210) as options. The Cessna 210 competes with the other six-place high-performance singles, like the Bonanza and Piper Lance/Saratoga. While the Bonanza is considered the premier airplane of the group, the 210 offers reasonable loads/range/speed on less money than a comparable-year Bonanza.
The normally aspirated 210 started with 285 hp Continentals and grew into a 300 hp Continental by 1974. The turbocharged T210 also started with a 285 hp Continental and later turbocharged models have the 325 hp Continental. The pressurized P210 shares essentially the same turbocharged engine as the T210 with slightly different accessories. Early models of the 210 had quite a few problems with the hydraulic landing gear, and even later models are reported to have more than their share of problems with the electro-hydraulic gear.
The cabin is comfortable and the 210 offers plenty of payload and still maintains good range for its class. As with other Cessna singles, the 210 is a stable handling airplane. Speed is good as well, with cruise speeds in the 160-knot plus range.