Cessna FR182 vs Cirrus SR20
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle
Cessna FR182
- For sale now
- 1
- Model years available
- 1980–1980
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 FR182 | Cirrus SR20 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 1 | 37 |
| Serious | 0 | 1 |
| Fatal | 1 | 16 |
| Fatalities | 1 | 34 |
| % Fatal | 100% | 43% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna FR182 | Cirrus SR20 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $186,976 | $179,000 – $739,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 235 HP | 215 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 145 kts (269 km/h) | 155 kts (287 km/h) |
| Range | 850 nm (1,574 km) | 875 nm (1,620 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 18,000 ft (5,486 m) | 17,500 ft (5,334 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,950 lbs (1,338 kg) | 3,150 lbs (1,429 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,100 lbs (499 kg) | 900 lbs (408 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 88.0 gal (333 L) | 56.0 gal (212 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 13.0 GPH (49 L/h) | 11.5 GPH (44 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 1,500 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $34,000 | $32,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $22,000 | $22,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $175 | $150 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna FR182
Fuel$72/hr
Variable$175/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$57,000/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 FR182 or Cirrus SR20?
Pick the FR182 if…
Pick the SR20 if…
- Budget matters — from $179,000 vs $186,976, you save ~$7,976.
- Lower operating cost — ~$150/hr vs $175/hr.
- Faster cruise — 155 kts vs 145 kts.
- Longer range — 875 nm vs 850 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1999 vs 1978.
- More inventory — 167 listings vs 1.
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 FR182 or Cirrus SR20?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The FR182 cruises at 145 kts with 850 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 FR182: from $185,044.
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 FR182 and Cirrus SR20?
FR182 engine: LYCOMING O-540-J3C5D (235 hp).
SR20 engine: Continental IO-360-ES (215 hp).
Cruise: 145 vs 155 kts.
Range: 850 vs 875 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
FR182: about $175/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?
FR182: 4 seats / 1,100 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?
FR182: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$34,000.
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