"A.E.I.O.U. are vowels" had me rolling. Love your presentations.

'Gear on both planes... 3 wheels each, very similar'. Legend. Great comparison Mark, hope to see more in the future! Thank you for the video

As someone said when comparing a high wing vs. a low wing, "it depends on if you want to bang your head or your shine." Nice video.

I never watched any video for 30 minutes, let alone 47 minutes...until this one. First time I see your video and it will not be the last. Congratulations on a superbly made video and a well delivered, full of real knowledge, job. From Orlando, Florida...best wishes from a retired Science College Professor, who flies for fun.

I'm an A&P and a Pilot. I've never felt so engaged and enthralled about these two baby birds as when this Gent from across the puddle talks about them. Well done, sir. I'm now subscribed with ALL notifications. If only all people could talk about planes like this guy. He doesn't come across as pompous, he doesn't have a "Radio-voice" like so many do, I just enjoyed his presentation.

I own a 75 Cardinal. It took me 3 months to decide between the Cardinal and a Mooney. The cabin and my wife's opinion made the decision. Never looked back. This was brilliant. Thanks.

The throttle quadrant of the M20F executive is beautiful. It is set up so nicely.

I'm a Mooney guy (M20J) who has also owned a Cessna 172 and has flown several Piper models. Cessna's generally don't get my blood flowing. However, recently, one of my friends...who's fairly tall...bought a Cardinal and I have to say, it's a pretty impressive and capable airplane.

Just recently began flying an M20C for my complex endorsement and I absolutely loved it. Your videos on the Mooney had very me very excited and the plane delivered!

I came this close to getting my complex endorsement in a Mooney. My flight school had one on the line, but no instructors were checked out yet in it. Soon the Mooney moved away. Maybe because no one flew it? In any case, the Mooney with the manual retractable landing gear is at the top of my airplane shopping list for when that magical time arrives. The 177RG however is in the number two slot. Now, on with the show!

Great video! I really enjoyed the “vowel” joke too

Outstanding, thorough review. I’ve owned my fixed gear Cardinal for 10 years. I have a few things to add: The Cardinal fuel system is stone simple: Left/Right/Both. Mine lives in Both 99% of the time. The prop clearance on the Cardinal is greater than the Mooney’s, something to consider for grass field ops. Cardinals come with 3 point shoulder harnesses. I retrofitted mine with the B.A.S. 4 point, inertia reel system. Not sure if shoulder harnesses are an option for Mooneys. The Cardinal Flyers Online, the type club for Cardinals, is one of the best run, informative, and active groups out there, despite the relatively small fleet size. As a result, there are many after market mods available for Cardinals. One of the most popular is the tuned exhaust by Powerflow. The Powerflow exhaust adds “bolt on” horsepower, which is most noticeable on takeoff and climb, but will also add a couple of knots in cruise. My fixed gear Cardinal has several additional speed mods and I typically see true airspeeds between 130-135 knots (150-155 mph) at 10.4 -10.8 GPH between 6000-8000 feet, 75% power. Not bad for an airplane built in 1970 with the gear down and welded. The Cardinal’s front seats adjust fore/aft, up/down, and the seat back angle can be adjusted. The up/down feature is great for shorter pilots/pax. No need for cushions or phone books (millennials & younger may need to Google that 😜). In the end, both are excellent airplanes. Having to choose between them is a very 1st world problem. I’m a lucky man to be the caretaker of my Cardinal. I plan to leave it better than I found it.

Mark is a great guy. When I was shopping for a Mooney I called him up to talk financing. Mark had a beautiful little M20C for sale that I was eyeing. Mark steered me in the right direction for financing and while I didn’t end up buying him C I ended up going with an M20J with another broker. 10 years later I still love my Mooney but I always appreciated Mark’s help by talking to me and his excellent customer service.

I appreciate the entertaining video Mr. Mark and Mr. Don. I am planting corn tonight, and I listened to the whole presentation, and even caught a few glances because my tractor is on autopilot.

This comparison was top of my wish list. It’s like you guys can see into my head. Thank you.

One of the best side-by-side comparisons I've seen. You have a knack for this. I've never flown a Mooney, but have quite a few hours in a 177 identical to that one, & I loved flying it. Thx for doing the video.

Another great video and great source of information! Thanks Mark!!

Great video! Always informative and broad in coverage and the presentation style makes it a pleasure to watch. The humor is an added bonus too!

Started in Cessna 172's, then went to Cherokee Warriors. Love them both but always longed for a Mooney. I picked up a low time 68 M20C that needed a lot of TLC and a restore job. Its almost done and can't wait to fly it. Your Video and the flight in your Mooney was very inspiring and helpful. Thanks!

Another comprehensive and very enjoyable video. If I had my choice I’m not certain which I would choose. I have flown the RG years ago during flight training and it was a joy to fly. I loved the sleek appearance. It just looked fast. Great access through the doors and the visibility through that big windshield.

I love your presentations -- very interesting and informative. And the demo that follows is great too ! ! Will definitely be looking out for more -- Thanks

Terrific! How can you make an airplane comparison so informative and funny at the same time! Best I have seen!

Greatly enjoyed the level of detail you brought to this video. You know your Mooney very well! Excellent comparison detail as well. Well done sir!

Excellent video with so much knowledge. Thanks for sharing. Well done.

Excellent overview that I enjoyed vicariously as I'm not current right now 🙂

Without a doubt the best narration of these two planes, thank you Mark.

two wings each! Who would have guessed!! Thanks for the video brings back great memories. My dad had a 76 177 RG, loved flying in it! Great visibility in the 177 and easy to get in and out of may be the only advantages for me

I love your presentation style. This was informative, thanks!

Great comparison video on these two aircraft. I've flown the Cardinal a number of times when my friend owned one. He was working on his IFR rating at the time. We found it to be quite capable as an IFR platform. When I flew a Mooney years ago, it did well as an instrument ship and was fast too! Thanks for your informative content!

Thank you for the review. Great insights.

Thank you Mr. Mark. Very informative. Mooney is my favorite too.

I’ve often wondered about this tendency to hyper focus on the “complex” part of transition which scared me to the point of procrastination to get it done. I finally confessed my anxiety, to my CFI and he understood. Think of it as a natural transition to a slightly more competent version of the plane you’ve already been flying. Maybe it’s only a constant prop. Then add some retractable gear to start.

Superb. I’ve been looking at a share in a Mooney and this video was so informative. Thanks!

Great side by side comparison. Years ago when I was in university, we did a road trip down to Eugene, Ore with my Prof. who belonged to a flying club there. The 4 of us piled into a mooney and flew it back to YVR. I was 6’2” at the time, and very comfortable in the back seat..

Fantastic video Mark - again!!!

Very informative. First time I got to learn about the elevator trim on the moonie. Thank you

My uncle had a new Mooney, back in the 60's, and he loved it.

Excellent class!

Bought my 76 Cardinal RGII in 1987 with 1600hrs on it for $18,000 ; )' It had sat for 4yrs without flying and had 3mths left on the annual. Changed the tires and battery when I bought it. It has been the perfect airplane for my family of 4 over the years. I still have it today and it has been the best investment I have ever made! Only a couple of minor unscheduled mx issues over 35yrs of ownership. I highly recommend the Cardinal to anyone still on the fence! They were made from 71 to 78 and the best models to get are the 76 and 77 the 78 is 24 volts.

Excellent Mark. Very informative!

First time watching your channel. Well done you have a lot of needed information for the Mooney owner thank you !

OMG.... "...So you might not want to go to Telluride in August with your Anvils." I totally rofl-coptered!

I have a G model Mooney and love it. It is almost impossible to get out of CG. One day I was playing around on foreflight to see what it would take and 120lbs in the baggage and two 250lb passengers in the back seat and only me up front is what it took to get it past the aft CG limit.

I owned a "G" for about 10 years and loved it. Put on every speed mod available except the "J" cowl. Installed a Garmin 530/430 comm/nav combo plus JPI fuel flow and a few others for the panel. Fuel bladders and manual gear solved lots of issues/ADs. If there was a way to kill recurring inspections, it was done. I eventually sold her to a guy that really seemed to appreciate her. The Cardinal is a great aerial SUV but the Mooney is pure FUN.

I have a Mod Squad 63 M20C under restoration. Some advice if your looking for a Mooney make sure you inspect the tubing in the cabin structure for rust. Especially near windows & doors where water can leak in. Also those instrument inspection panels can leak if not sealed properly. Some Mooney's mostly later ones have poor paint adhesion on the tubing & are completely bare steel. Requires pulling the interior, hand sanding rust & painting with a brush to get to the blind side against the skin. If it's bad, tubing has to be cut out & new tube welded in. I was lucky with my bird someone had Dinitroled the whole airframe. The aluminum inside the wings was like a mirror, Dinitrol saved it from sitting outside for years. ACF & Boesheild don't last & are inferior products to Dinitrol. Make sure you get a mechanic thats a real expert on Mooney's for the prebuy. Alot of great pretenders out there.

Excellent! Your best video of all.

Thanks for your evaluation. I have 700 hrs in the Cardinal RG from my flight instructing days. I owned a Mooney G for 20years. Obviously, my preference is the Mooney. The Cardinal will carry more with decent speed but the Mooney will fly faster, stronger, better economy and ramp appeal.

I like the Mooney!! Nice plane!! Great comparison!!

Absolutely excellent video!

177 RG, 1976 owner since 2008. Still in love. Best SEP aircraft handlingwise and very reasonable performance and economy in that power-range. Just a super aircraft.

As always, love your videos. I learn so much from them. This is the most comprehensive comparison of a Mooney versus a competitor. Great job and please keep the videos coming!👏🏽 PS: love my M20J! Think the Mooneys are superior in their class and were definitely ahead of their time.

Never flown the Mooney but have a lot of time in 177rg, absolutely loved that plane.

I’m all about “bringing fold up bikes” to the destination for two people and not calling Uber. The Cardinals handle that mission perfectly with ease, the Mooney forget it. Being able to see the guy landing next to you on parallel runway with your wing up as you turn to final is a God send. Cirrus nightmare as everyone remembers.

Very nice Mark.. my instructor was a Mooney advocate.. Reinhard Jarshke.. if I remember his story correctly, he ferryed the first Mooneys to Germany.. 6 aircraft in total I believe. And yes, he was biased.. but his instruction was first rate, as tho he owned the Piper and Cessna we used. Thanks for your objective comparison. Always a pleasure watching.

still laughing a.e.i.o.u. are vowels and it must be dam early in the morning when mark does not know every rivet on a plane another great video thanks skywagon university 👍

Great video as always!

Excellent “unbiased” overview. I have a 75 Cardinal RGII and you covered everything in a very factual manner. Thanks for the additional hot start technique. I will definitely be using that though I have the STC’d Lycoming IO390. I had done a prebuy on a 1980 Mooney M20K 231 model but there were too many squawks and it had been sitting out on tie down for a couple years in Maine coastal weather. Mooneys are great planes and the designers captured the essence of what pilots wanted in a true commuter plane. It is interesting that the popular RV aircraft use the same pushrod style controls and captured that crisp accurate responsiveness that you describe in your narrative.

Many thanks for your bringing back my deep-seated nostalgia for Mooneys. I bought an M20A at the end of my AID tour in Chile and flew that baby back to DC, taking seven weeks to visit friends and sightsee en route, a trip of some 6,900 miles. What a fast, comfortable long-legged beauty that flying marvel was. Sniff, sniff...

Nice video and great drone shot! Definitely want to add Placerville to one of the airports for time building, to check out some cool planes!

Fantastic video! Loved it!

A cost to purchase comparison would be nice. Love your videos always entertaining and educational.

Really appreciated the comparison! Have always wanted a Cardinal, mainly for the ease of entry and getting in and out of planes at my age has become a limiting factor. Just now getting checked out in an intercooled M-31. It is very comfortable once I'm in. Have to say I really like the way it flies and lands. I will be giving the owner instrument training.

"A.E.I.O.U. are vowels" had me rolling. Love your presentations.. "A.E.I.O.U. are vowels" had me rolling. Love your presentations..

Great idea to compare these ! Comparing the operators was always interesting too :)

Great video! I was torn between buying the Mooney, the Cardinal or the Arrow, when I flew with a salesman to look at a plane in his TR182. This year I will now have owned my TR182 for 20 years and love it more each and every year.

Excellent, balanced review of the two aircraft. Thanks! Wayne (DA40, also an IO360, KSBA)

Outstanding Mark. Greetings from San Antonio, Texas

I really had hopes for going to Telluride in August with my anvils 🤣🤣. Seriously though, great video! Your knowledge of these airplanes is much appreciated .

Great video! Thank you.

Excellent video comparison Mark, thanks for putting these superb info videos together, they take a lot of work... and did you say "that's why I've got 6" after landing the Mooney? haha great!

This is easily the best Mooney video on the internet. To get the real Mooney measurements I had to find one and do it myself. I bought a Comanche but I still do have love for the Mooney.

Wow! Very cool information on the Mooney E !

Love the video. I owned a M20F from 2001-2016 and loved it. Looked at the M20E but I am 6'5" and needed additional seat travel. I did this exact comparison and I am so surprised how small people think Moonies are. In terms of legroom the Cessnas are terrible, the PA-28 are ok but the leg room in the Mooney is great. The Mooney was fast and strong. Great video.

Appreciate the grovelling under the bellies - great vid!

We operated a Comanche 400 for a few years delivering newspapers to country Victoria in the late 60s. In summer, after refuelling, doing a hot start involved purging the air from the lines by flooding and then flogging the starter, mixture lean and full throttle. What a pia it was !

Loved the comparison! One day a 177 FG is in my future. However, I have always been enamored with Mooney aircraft. Just not the best choice for me due to arthritic knees. Great presentation and comparative detail.

Lot's of jokes in this one. I always see you as a serious guy, so enjoyed all the humor! Thank you for the comparison. I am currently looking for a 210 to get a true 4-place aircraft that is high-wing and actually checked one you "had". I really want a 2-door and so rare to find a low-wing with 2 doors. Also, large people getting into a low-wing tend to "fall in" and then have to climb out. While getting into the high-wing is stepping up into it and stepping down out of it. Thank you for the new video Mark!

Mark, great review as always! I owned two Mooney M20Cs (63 and 65) before buying my current 64 Cessna 210. The Mooneys are fantastic but I just got tired of crawling out of the Mooneys. I’m 6’3”, 220lbs and the Cessna is just easier to get in and out. The quality of the Mooney is higher but Cessnas are like GM cars. They’re everywhere, parts and mechanics are readily available and they’re easy to fly. I actually had a couple mechanics tell me they wouldn’t work on my Mooney because it was hard to access. But the efficiency and speed for given power is hard to beat. Great assessment of both planes.

Superb instructional and comedy too!

I must say i really enjoy your videos as an owner of a mooney E i love the mooney videos keep up the good work.

Beautiful landing with the Cessna!!!

Well done Mark.

Great video. Congratulations for your Mooney it's a real good looking airplane. Greetings from Argentina.

Bought my first plane in a ‘67F back in December and I couldn’t be happier. Superior aircraft in the class.

It's so nice to hear from a pro!

Now I’m even more impressed with Mooney.

I rarely comment, this was a stellar video

Excellent. Thanks

Good job, Captain.

Ironically, I flew my 140 last Saturday, and I was behind a Cardinal on departure at my home airport. As he rounded the bend, I noticed how sleek the airframe was around the windscreen and thought how nice it looked. When I landed at my destination. A Mooney M20 (not sure of which model) landed after me and taxied in next to me. I got out and walked around it and thought... "I could see myself in one of these!! It's beautiful!!!" That is what landed me on your video. After seeing the review, I think the Mooney would be my choice because I just love the way low wing aircraft handle. I also like the sound of the rugged construction with the pushrods and the heavy wing spar, and I like the rubber pucks in the gear. Sure, you have to replace them once in a while, but I can't tell you how many times I have gone out to fly the Cherokee, and the damn struts have lost all of their nitrogen and I am stuck. Even after rebuilding them, they still leak!! I had a Musketeer with the bucks, and it landed beautifully! I am going to start looking at Mooneys!!

Hmmm… well I flew a ‘65 Mooney for a few years and ended up with a ‘75 Cardinal for the last 20+ years. With my two bladed prop (a three bladed is slower in cruise), I cruise at 150ktas. I measure my cabin width at the shoulders and it is 48 inches. I am certain it is wider than the mooney. I would be shoulder touching shoulder with my flight instructor in the mooney but in the Cardinal there’s a good five inches between our shoulders. Plus I have a center console between the two seats that is 4 inches wide. Nothing beats the Cardinal doors and there are after market door stops to keep them from becoming wind sails. At any rate, the Mooney is a wonderful aircraft but I find the Cardinal to be a much more comfortable aircraft with great range and about the same fuel economy and speed. I also thinks it’s the prettiest single piston aircraft Cessna ever produced. I would love to redo this presentation with my two bladed Cardinal, beautiful paint job, mint interior, and, of course, let my bias towards the Cardinal shine thru.

I used to 'help' a guy fly his '65 E. Oh dear god was that a fun time in my life! However finances have changed, and so must my playthings. I have to relate one of my last BFRs in that Mooney. For the 'unusual attitude' portion I put my head down to my knees, Jim put it in a shallow, full powered descent, and then slooowly pulled back back back. At stall speed he kicked left rudder, throttle to idle, and said, 'your airplane'! So I look up, and we have no airspeed, no vertical speed, stall horn screaming, staring straight down at the ground - we're just hanging there in a perfect hammerhead stall. It was hilarious. 'course, I didn't have to do a thing - just don't pull the wings off. LOVE tha 'E'.

Thanks for the tip re starting a hot IO-360. I have a slightly different technique with my Mooney M20J, but I'm going to try yours out tomorrow to see if she starts any quicker. My technique is to keep mixture out and throttle slightly cracked - works every time, but it does take 3-4 seconds of cranking.

Well done.

I have flown and liked both aircraft. My first landing done in the M20E with 4 onboard was a forced landing due to the failure of the fuel injection pump. Although it was into a short grass strip with a gorge on the threathhold on the approach and lake at the other end and a strong crosswind l managed to do a copybook forced landing due to its ease of control. Appart from the inconvidience this landing did have a very happy ending for me. One of my passengers that l had met for the first time 3 days before became my wife and the mother of my two sons.

I have .5 unlogged (riding right seat) in a 20E, what a blast that was.It's my potentially-attainable dream plane. The 177 is a fine aircraft in its own right, but something about the M20 just speaks to me.

Got to fly a Mooney a bit when I was 12 (mid '60's) and it was tight. Then I found out years later a school buddy bought a Cardinal - but I've never been in one. Being tall, I really like the twin doors of the Cardinal. But dang, Mooney's are cool.

Thanks for the tip on hot starts! I fly a Super Decathlon as a rental and I'm never quite sure how it's supposed to work (do a lot of cold starts but rarely hot start), it as an AEIO-360.

The Mooney door wraps around the top of the fuselage making it actually quite large with alot of headroom getting in and out. Just a note.

Superlative video, informative, entertaining, and great host.