button push ignored
I own a 1973 Cessna 172M.
I chose the Cessna over the competition because I believe it to be the best choice as a Primary/Intermediate trainer for my three children to learn to fly in.
The reason I chose the M model produced between 1973/1976 is for the 150 horse power Lycoming O-320 E2D. You can run these engines on 87 octane ethanol free car gas if you gave a Mo-Gas supplemental type certificate.
The Cessna 172 N model produced between 1977-1980 was a disaster for Cessna. The O-320 H2AD had bad lifters from a Ford 302 engine that were not adequate. The H2AD with 160 hp is a very problematic engine that should be avoided. Many N models engines have been replaced by the larger O-360 180 hp engines.
The P model from 1981 to 1986 is a good plane. But needs either 100LL av-gas or 92 octane mo-gas.
The R model had a lot of problems when production resumed. The Cessna 172 was not produced for a number of years due to liability insurance. So to say. it's been in continuous production is inaccurate.
Interesting you say the C172N 160HP had issues. I did most of my C172 flying in that model. I liked it. Not sure if they had changed the lifters or any other mods though.
You say the C172P can use 100LL or 92 MOGAS. Is that the only fuels they recommend. What about 95 or 98 MOGAS.
I hear C172 on the radio flying from two airfields close to me. Sixty years on and they are still flying every day within 5nm of my home.