Cessna 172 vs Cirrus SR20 vs Diamond DA40

The Cirrus SR20, Cessna 172 Skyhawk and Diamond DA40 Star are three four-seat trainers a flight school or new owner weighs — the SR20 a composite Cirrus with a parachute, the 172 the timeless standard, and the DA40 a modern composite with a stellar safety record. Same mission, three modern-versus-classic answers. Where each trades now is below.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle

Cessna 172
For sale now
421
Median asking
$134,231
Range
$61,563–$324,965
Model years available
1956–2026
Cirrus SR20
For sale now
166
Median asking
$424,900
Range
$179,000–$739,000
Model years available
1999–2026
Diamond DA40
For sale now
85
Median asking
$424,858
Range
$184,562–$670,700
Model years available
2000–2026

Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.

Generations Breakdown

Per-generation specs — engine/weight/performance differ materially across production eras.

Per-era “For sale” counts exclude listings with unspecified year and separate variants (RG retractable, Hawk XP), so they may not sum to the total above.

Cessna 172 — 3 generations

GenerationYearsEngineMTOWCruiseRangeFor sale
172 Continental 1956–1967 O-300 2300 118 520 137
172 O-320 150hp 1968–1976 O-320-E2D 2300 120 585 128
172 O-320 160hp 1977–1986 O-320-H2AD/D2J 2400 122 585 103

Cirrus SR20 — 0 generations

GenerationYearsEngineMTOWCruiseRangeFor sale

Diamond DA40 — 0 generations

GenerationYearsEngineMTOWCruiseRangeFor sale

Safety Record

Absolute counts scale with fleet size — the most-produced types log more events without being less safe. Compare the % fatal.

NTSB (1982–now)Cessna 172Cirrus SR20Diamond DA40
All events68103710
Serious54210
Fatal960163
Fatalities1802345
% Fatal14%43%30%
View full Cessna 172 NTSB record →View full Cirrus SR20 NTSB record →View full Diamond DA40 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Cessna 172 Cirrus SR20 Diamond DA40
Cessna 172
View 164 listings →
Median $134,231
 Cirrus SR20
View 167 listings →
Median $424,900
 Diamond DA40
View 88 listings →
Median $424,858
Price Range $61,563 – $324,965 $179,000 – $739,000 $184,562 – $670,700
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 4 4 4
Horsepower 145–160 HP 215 HP 180 HP
Cruise Speed 118–122 kts (226 km/h) 155 kts (287 km/h) 135 kts (250 km/h)
Range 520–585 nm (1,083 km) 875 nm (1,620 km) 635 nm (1,176 km)
Service Ceiling 14,000 ft (4,267 m) 17,500 ft (5,334 m) 16,400 ft (4,999 m)
Max Gross Weight 2300–2,400 lbs (1,089 kg) 3,150 lbs (1,429 kg) 2,535 lbs (1,150 kg)
Useful Load 878 lbs (398 kg) 900 lbs (408 kg) 780 lbs (354 kg)
Fuel Capacity 56.0 gal (212 L) 56.0 gal (212 L) 40.0 gal (151 L)
Fuel Burn 8.6 GPH (33 L/h) 11.5 GPH (44 L/h) 9.5 GPH (36 L/h)
TBO 1,400 hrs 1,500 hrs 2,000 hrs
Overhaul Cost $30,000 $32,000 $25,000
Annual Fixed $18,000 $22,000 $16,000
Hourly Variable $130 $150 $120
Engines 1 x Piston 1 x Piston 1 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Cessna 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

Diamond DA40

Fuel$52/hr
Variable$120/hr
Annual Fixed$16,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $40,000/yr

Which Should You Buy?

Bottom line: Choose the SR20 for the Cirrus ecosystem — a glass cockpit and the CAPS parachute, and a clean path up to the SR22 and beyond. Choose the 172 Skyhawk for the proven, economical default with unmatched support. Choose the DA40 Star for composite efficiency and one of GA's best safety records. On safety the SR20 adds a whole-airframe parachute, the DA40 brings an outstanding accident record, and the 172 a long benign history — three strong, different cases. Parachute-and-ecosystem, proven standard, or composite record.

Pick the 172 if…

  • Lowest entry price — from $61,563

Pick the SR20 if…

  • Fastest cruise — 155 kts
  • Longest range — 875 nm
  • Most listings for sale — 167

Pick the DA40 if…

  • Lowest operating cost — about $120/hr
  • Newest design — built from 2000

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between the SR20, 172 and DA40?
The SR20 is a composite Cirrus with a parachute; the 172 the classic high-wing standard; the DA40 a modern composite. All are four-seat trainers differing in materials, features and feel.
Which has a parachute?
The SR20 — the Cirrus CAPS whole-airframe parachute is standard. The 172 and DA40 rely on conventional engine-out handling and strong safety records.
Which is best to train in?
All are excellent — the 172 for ubiquity and cost, the SR20 for glass and the Cirrus path, the DA40 for efficiency and record. School fleet and preference usually decide.
Which is better, Cessna 172, Cirrus SR20 or Diamond DA40?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 172 cruises at 118 kts with 518 nm range. The SR20 cruises at 155 kts with 875 nm range. The DA40 cruises at 135 kts with 635 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 172: from $119,900. Cirrus SR20: from $239,900. Diamond DA40: from $382,026. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.
Prices re-checked on a rolling cycle — most within a few days · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data