Cessna TTx vs Mooney 201
The Cessna TTx (former Columbia 400, ~235 kt turbocharged composite) and Mooney M20J (~160 kt aluminium normally-aspirated) are very different aircraft despite both being four-seat singles — the TTx is the fastest fixed-gear piston single ever certified; the M20J is the classic efficient retractable.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle
Cessna TTx
- For sale now
- 26
- Median asking
- $617,000
- Range
- $390,700–$680,655
- Model years available
- 2013–2017
Mooney 201
- For sale now
- 81
- Median asking
- $140,000
- Range
- $92,200–$234,935
- Model years available
- 1977–1998
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 TTx | Mooney 201 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | — | 1 |
| Serious | — | 0 |
| Fatal | — | 0 |
| Fatalities | — | 0 |
| % Fatal | — | 0% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna TTx | Mooney 201 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $390,700 – $680,655 | $92,200 – $234,935 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 310 HP | 200 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 235 kts (435 km/h) | 161 kts (298 km/h) |
| Range | 1,250 nm (2,315 km) | 820 nm (1,519 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 25,000 ft (7,620 m) | 18,800 ft (5,730 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,600 lbs (1,633 kg) | 2,740 lbs (1,243 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,000 lbs (454 kg) | 900 lbs (408 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 92.0 gal (348 L) | 64.0 gal (242 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 17.0 GPH (64 L/h) | 10.0 GPH (38 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $36,000 | $30,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $25,000 | $18,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $195 | $140 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston (Turbocharged) | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna TTx
Fuel$94/hr
Variable$195/hr
Annual Fixed$25,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$64,000/yr
Mooney 201
Fuel$55/hr
Variable$140/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$46,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna TTx or Mooney 201?
Bottom line: Choose the TTx for the highest cruise speed available in a fixed-gear piston single, modern composite construction and Garmin G2000 glass — at much higher acquisition and operating cost. Choose the M20J for proven Mooney economics with strong cruise efficiency at piston-aircraft-class budgets.
Pick the TTx if…
- Faster cruise — 235 kts vs 161 kts.
- Longer range — 1250 nm vs 820 nm.
- Newer design — production from 2013 vs 1977.
- More inventory — 22 listings vs 20.
Pick the 201 if…
- Budget matters — from $92,200 vs $390,700, you save ~$298,500.
- Lower operating cost — ~$140/hr vs $195/hr.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the key difference between the Cessna TTx (400) and Mooney M20J?
Power and speed class. The Cessna TTx/400 uses the Continental TSIO-550-C (310 hp, turbocharged) in a carbon-composite airframe, cruising approximately 235 kt — the fastest certified piston single. The Mooney M20J uses the Lycoming IO-360-A3B6D (200 hp), cruising approximately 168 kt. The TTx is roughly 67 kt faster and in a significantly higher performance and cost tier.
TTx or M20J — which fast four-seater?
Buy the Mooney M20J if speed-per-dollar is the priority — it achieves 168 kt from only 200 hp, making it one of the most fuel-efficient high-speed four-seat singles. Buy the TTx if 235 kt cruise and a modern composite airframe with glass avionics justify the significantly higher acquisition and operating cost. The TTx is the fastest piston single; the M20J is the most efficient.
How big is the speed difference in practice?
On a 600-nm trip, the TTx's 235 kt saves roughly 50 minutes over the M20J's 168 kt — meaningful for frequent business travel. On a 200-nm trip, it saves under 20 minutes. The TTx earns its premium on long, frequent missions; for leisure flying under 300 nm, the M20J's economy is often the smarter choice.
How do the airframes compare?
The TTx's carbon-fiber composite construction is lighter, stiffer, and different in maintenance character than the Mooney's aluminium structure — composite repair requires composite-qualified shops. The Mooney's conventional aluminium structure is serviced by any Mooney-familiar shop. The TTx's modern construction comes with a newer, less-established repair network.
How do specs compare?
Mooney M20J: Lycoming IO-360-A3B6D (~200 hp), four seats, retractable gear, ~168 kt, ~1,050 nm. Cessna TTx (400): Continental TSIO-550-C (~310 hp), four seats, fixed gear, composite, ~235 kt, ~1,270 nm.
Which should I buy?
M20J for maximum speed-per-dollar — fuel-efficient, economical, and one of the best cross-country four-seat singles ever built. TTx for buyers who specifically need the fastest piston single available and accept the composite maintenance requirement and higher operating cost. The M20J is the smart buy; the TTx is the performance statement.
Which is better, Cessna TTx or Mooney 201?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The TTx cruises at 235 kts with 1,250 nm range.
The 201 cruises at 161 kts with 820 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna TTx: from $694,900.
Mooney 201: from $140,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna TTx and Mooney 201?
TTx engine: CONTINENTAL TSIO-550-C (310 hp).
201 engine: Lycoming O-320 (200 hp).
Cruise: 235 vs 161 kts.
Range: 1250 vs 820 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
TTx: about $195/hr variable cost.
201: about $140/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?
TTx: 4 seats / 1,000 lb useful load.
201: 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?
TTx: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$36,000.
201: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$30,000.
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