Cessna 172P vs Cirrus SR20
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle
Cessna 172P
- For sale now
- 14
- Median asking
- $149,950
- Range
- $94,200–$259,950
- Model years available
- 1980–1985
Cirrus SR20
- For sale now
- 166
- Median asking
- $424,900
- Range
- $179,000–$739,000
- Model years available
- 1999–2026
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
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 172P | Cirrus SR20 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 696 | 37 |
| Serious | 55 | 1 |
| Fatal | 96 | 16 |
| Fatalities | 200 | 34 |
| % Fatal | 14% | 43% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna 172P | Cirrus SR20 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $94,200 – $259,950 | $179,000 – $739,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 160 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 | 2,400 lbs (1,089 kg) | 3,150 lbs (1,429 kg) |
| Useful Load | 878 lbs (398 kg) | 900 lbs (408 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 43.0 gal (163 L) | 56.0 gal (212 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 8.5 GPH (32 L/h) | 11.5 GPH (44 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 1,500 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $28,000 | $32,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $16,000 | $22,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $110 | $150 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 172P
Fuel$47/hr
Variable$110/hr
Annual Fixed$16,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$38,000/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 172P or Cirrus SR20?
Pick the 172P if…
- Budget matters — from $94,200 vs $179,000, you save ~$84,800.
- Lower operating cost — ~$110/hr vs $150/hr.
Pick the SR20 if…
- Faster cruise — 155 kts vs 122 kts.
- Longer range — 875 nm vs 640 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1999 vs 1981.
- More inventory — 167 listings vs 13.
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 172P or Cirrus SR20?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 172P 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 172P: from $139,000.
Cirrus SR20: from $239,900.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 172P and Cirrus SR20?
172P engine: LYCOMING O-320-D2J (160 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?
172P: about $110/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?
172P: 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?
172P: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$28,000.
SR20: 1,500-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 re-checked on a rolling cycle — most within a few days · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data