I can relate a bit to what you are talking about. When I did my ppl in a 152 my dad actually had a 182. Very lucky I know, would sometimes fly up with him for my lessons. One thing that I always thought was good learning on a low powered airplane was that you have more respect for the things a lot of power saves you from. Mainly short field stuff, 182 is brilliant it will get in & out of most places, especially out! If you do get back in a plane with less power like a 172 be careful, it can really catch you out.