Cessna 172 vs Diamond DA40 vs Cirrus SR20
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna 172 | Diamond DA40 | Cirrus SR20 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $27,900 – $589,500 | $149,900 – $733,889 | $100,000 – $804,900 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | |||
| Seats | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 180 HP | 180 HP | 215 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 122 kts (226 km/h) | 135 kts (250 km/h) | 155 kts (287 km/h) |
| Range | 640 nm (1,185 km) | 635 nm (1,176 km) | 875 nm (1,620 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) | 16,400 ft (4,999 m) | 17,500 ft (5,334 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,550 lbs (1,157 kg) | 2,535 lbs (1,150 kg) | 3,150 lbs (1,429 kg) |
| Useful Load | 878 lbs (398 kg) | 780 lbs (354 kg) | 900 lbs (408 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 56.0 gal (212 L) | 40.0 gal (151 L) | 56.0 gal (212 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 8.6 GPH (33 L/h) | 9.5 GPH (36 L/h) | 11.5 GPH (44 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $30,000 | $25,000 | $32,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $18,000 | $16,000 | $22,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $130 | $120 | $150 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 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
Diamond DA40
Fuel$52/hr
Variable$120/hr
Annual Fixed$16,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$40,000/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?
Pick the 172 if…
- Lowest entry price — from $27,900
- Most listings for sale — 411
Pick the DA40 if…
- Lowest operating cost — about $120/hr
- Newest design — built from 2000
Pick the SR20 if…
- Fastest cruise — 155 kts
- Longest range — 875 nm
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, Diamond DA40 or Cirrus SR20?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 172 cruises at 122 kts with 640 nm range.
The DA40 cruises at 135 kts with 635 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 $98,000.
Diamond DA40: from $570,000.
Cirrus SR20: from $145,613.
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 updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data