Hey, I didn't realize I got all these responses on this thread.
Thanks all for your feedback.
bjornhall, at or near MSL, the C172 does 105 knots at 2350 RPM. The C172R's I've noticed cruises at just under 120 knots for the same power setting.
As for other differences, I did notice the C172R has a more pronounced wing drop when doing a power on, stall with 10 degrees flap. Anyone feel the same about this?
cherrnkind, as Nathan Parker has mentioned, the difficulty you have on handling after landing could be due to excessive speed? I use 70 knots on final with 20 degrees flap and 65 knots over the fence with 30 degrees flap. I've not had too many issues with landing the C172R; the flare and hold-off all appears the same as the older model Cessna's.