You are right, the C152 is very load-restricted. The empty weights vary a little, so for each airframe you need to look at its Flight Manual and work out what the disposable load actually is. For your size, I doubt you would get you, an instructor, and some fuel within the MTOW.
The 172 is considerably more capable, but again you need to look at the Flight Manual for the specific aircraft and do your own sums.