Cessna 170 vs Cirrus SR22
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna 170 | Cirrus SR22 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $33,269 – $359,000 | $99,000 – $1,475,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 5 |
| Horsepower | 145 HP | 310 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 105 kts (194 km/h) | 183 kts (339 km/h) |
| Range | 500 nm (926 km) | 1,049 nm (1,943 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 17,500 ft (5,334 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 12,500 lbs (5,670 kg) | 3,600 lbs (1,633 kg) |
| Useful Load | 900 lbs (408 kg) | 1,183 lbs (537 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 92.0 gal (348 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 9.0 GPH (34 L/h) | 13.5 GPH (51 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $30,000 | $36,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $18,000 | $25,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $130 | $180 |
| Engines | 1 x Reciprocating | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 170
Fuel$50/hr
Variable$130/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$44,000/yr
Cirrus SR22
Fuel$74/hr
Variable$180/hr
Annual Fixed$25,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$61,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 170 or Cirrus SR22?
Pick the 170 if…
- Budget matters — from $33,269 vs $99,000, you save ~$65,731.
- Lower operating cost — ~$130/hr vs $180/hr.
Pick the SR22 if…
- More seats — 5 vs 4.
- Faster cruise — 183 kts vs 105 kts.
- Longer range — 1049 nm vs 500 nm.
- Newer design — production from 2001 vs 1948.
- More inventory — 286 listings vs 17.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Cessna 170 or Cirrus SR22?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 170 cruises at 105 kts with 500 nm range.
The SR22 cruises at 183 kts with 1,049 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 170: from $33,269.
Cirrus SR22: from $769,900.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 170 and Cirrus SR22?
170 engine: Continental C145-2 (145 hp).
SR22 engine: Continental IO-550-N (310 hp).
Seats: 4 vs 5.
Cruise: 105 vs 183 kts.
Range: 500 vs 1049 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
170: about $130/hr variable cost.
SR22: about $180/hr variable cost.
Variable cost includes fuel, reserves and overhaul accruals. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add to the total.
Which has more seats and useful load?
170: 4 seats / 900 lb useful load.
SR22: 5 seats / 1,183 lb useful load.
Useful load = max gross weight minus empty weight; it determines how much fuel plus payload you can carry.
How does maintenance compare — TBO and overhaul cost?
170: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$30,000.
SR22: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$36,000.
Reaching the time-between-overhaul (TBO) triggers a mandatory engine/airframe rebuild that affects resale value.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.
Prices updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data