Cessna 172 vs Cirrus SR20
The Cirrus SR20 and Cessna 172 are both four-seat aircraft with very different philosophies. The composite SR20 brings a side-stick, glass cockpit, and a whole-airframe parachute, while the high-wing 172 offers proven simplicity and unmatched support. This is the modern composite versus classic trainer debate.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna 172 | Cirrus SR20 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $27,900 – $589,500 | $100,000 – $804,900 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 180 HP | 215 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 122 kts (226 km/h) | 155 kts (287 km/h) |
| Range | 640 nm (1,185 km) | 875 nm (1,620 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) | 17,500 ft (5,334 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,550 lbs (1,157 kg) | 3,150 lbs (1,429 kg) |
| Useful Load | 878 lbs (398 kg) | 900 lbs (408 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 56.0 gal (212 L) | 56.0 gal (212 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 8.6 GPH (33 L/h) | 11.5 GPH (44 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $30,000 | $32,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $18,000 | $22,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $130 | $150 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 172
Fuel$47/hr
Variable$130/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$44,000/yr
Cirrus SR20
Fuel$63/hr
Variable$150/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$52,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 172 or Cirrus SR20?
Bottom line: Choose the SR20 for a modern composite airframe, glass avionics, and the airframe parachute system; pick the 172 for simplicity, lower operating costs, and the broadest parts and service network. Both are capable four-seaters, so budget, avionics, and condition typically decide the purchase.
Pick the 172 if…
- Budget matters — from $27,900 vs $100,000, you save ~$72,100.
- Lower operating cost — ~$130/hr vs $150/hr.
- More inventory — 411 listings vs 182.
Pick the SR20 if…
- Faster cruise — 155 kts vs 122 kts.
- Longer range — 875 nm vs 640 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1999 vs 1956.
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 172 or Cirrus SR20?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 172 cruises at 122 kts with 640 nm range.
The SR20 cruises at 155 kts with 875 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 172: from $179,000.
Cirrus SR20: from $145,575.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 172 and Cirrus SR20?
172 engine: Continental O-300 (180 hp).
SR20 engine: Continental IO-360-ES (215 hp).
Cruise: 122 vs 155 kts.
Range: 640 vs 875 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
172: about $130/hr variable cost.
SR20: about $150/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?
172: 4 seats / 878 lb useful load.
SR20: 4 seats / 900 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?
172: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$30,000.
SR20: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$32,000.
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