A lot has to do with the atltiude of your airport.
The Bird Dog has the same engine as a C-182,
a Cont.O-470, but it's derated to 213 horses unless
you are flying an "E" model Bird Dog with the constant
speed prop which has a bit more power.
But, as has been pointed out, they are becoming popular
as War Birds and are therefore more expensive. On the
other had they are more fun to fly and you can carry a pax.
The Cessna 188 ag plane is nice if you can find one and they
have the O 520 with essentially the same wing as the Bird Dog
and do a great job of towing......about the same as a Pawnee.

Zulu