Cessna TU206 vs Cirrus SR20

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily

Cessna TU206
For sale now
5
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
3
Source marketplaces
4
Model years available
1975–2008
Cirrus SR20
For sale now
166
Median asking
$424,900
Range
$179,000–$739,000
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
113
Source marketplaces
16
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 TU206Cirrus SR20
All events17037
Serious121
Fatal4616
Fatalities12234
% Fatal27%43%
View full Cessna TU206 NTSB record →View full Cirrus SR20 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Cessna TU206 Cirrus SR20
Cessna TU206
View 6 listings →
Median $396,250
 Cirrus SR20
View 180 listings →
Median $424,900
Price Range $249,182 – $614,275 $179,000 – $739,000
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 6 4
Horsepower 310 HP 215 HP
Cruise Speed 148 kts (274 km/h) 155 kts (287 km/h)
Range 800 nm (1,482 km) 875 nm (1,620 km)
Service Ceiling 27,000 ft (8,230 m) 17,500 ft (5,334 m)
Max Gross Weight 3,600 lbs (1,633 kg) 3,150 lbs (1,429 kg)
Useful Load 1,340 lbs (608 kg) 900 lbs (408 kg)
Fuel Capacity — 56.0 gal (212 L)
Fuel Burn 16.0 GPH (61 L/h) 11.5 GPH (44 L/h)
TBO 1,800 hrs 1,500 hrs
Overhaul Cost $38,000 $32,000
Annual Fixed $24,000 $22,000
Hourly Variable $170 $150
Engines 1 x Piston (Turbocharged) 1 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Cessna TU206

Fuel$88/hr
Variable$170/hr
Annual Fixed$24,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $58,000/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 TU206 or Cirrus SR20?

Pick the TU206 if…

  • More seats — 6 vs 4.

Pick the SR20 if…

  • Budget matters — from $179,000 vs $249,182, you save ~$70,182.
  • Lower operating cost — ~$150/hr vs $170/hr.
  • Faster cruise — 155 kts vs 148 kts.
  • Longer range — 875 nm vs 800 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 1999 vs 1977.
  • More inventory — 180 listings vs 6.

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 TU206 or Cirrus SR20?
It depends on your mission and budget. The TU206 cruises at 148 kts with 800 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 TU206: from $223,605. Cirrus SR20: from $739,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna TU206 and Cirrus SR20?
TU206 engine: Continental TSIO-520-C (310 hp). SR20 engine: Continental IO-360-ES (215 hp). Seats: 6 vs 4. Cruise: 148 vs 155 kts. Range: 800 vs 875 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
TU206: about $170/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?
TU206: 6 seats / 1,340 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?
TU206: 1,800-hour TBO, overhaul ~$38,000. 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 updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data