Cessna 172 vs Cirrus SR20

The Cessna 172 Skyhawk and the Cirrus SR20 are two four-seat trainers a generation apart — the timeless high-wing 172 and the modern composite SR20 with a parachute. The 172 is the most-produced, best-supported trainer ever; the SR20 brings a glass cockpit, a sleeker composite airframe and the CAPS whole-airframe parachute. Where each trades now is below.

Live Market Snapshot

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

Cessna 172
For sale now
421
Median asking
$134,231
Range
$61,563–$324,965
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
112
Source marketplaces
19
Model years available
1956–2026
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.

Generations Breakdown

Per-generation specs — engine/weight/performance differ materially across production eras.

Per-era “For sale” counts exclude listings with unspecified year and separate variants (RG retractable, Hawk XP), so they may not sum to the total above.

Cessna 172 — 3 generations

GenerationYearsEngineMTOWCruiseRangeFor sale
172 Continental 1956–1967 O-300 2300 118 520 133
172 O-320 150hp 1968–1976 O-320-E2D 2300 120 585 130
172 O-320 160hp 1977–1986 O-320-H2AD/D2J 2400 122 585 103

Cirrus SR20 — 0 generations

GenerationYearsEngineMTOWCruiseRangeFor sale

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 172Cirrus SR20
All events681037
Serious5421
Fatal96016
Fatalities180234
% Fatal14%43%
View full Cessna 172 NTSB record →View full Cirrus SR20 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Cessna 172 Cirrus SR20
Cessna 172
View 168 listings →
Median $134,231
 Cirrus SR20
View 185 listings →
Median $424,900
Price Range $61,563 – $324,965 $179,000 – $739,000
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 4 4
Horsepower 145–160 HP 215 HP
Cruise Speed 118–122 kts (226 km/h) 155 kts (287 km/h)
Range 520–585 nm (1,083 km) 875 nm (1,620 km)
Service Ceiling 14,000 ft (4,267 m) 17,500 ft (5,334 m)
Max Gross Weight 2300–2,400 lbs (1,089 kg) 3,150 lbs (1,429 kg)
Useful Load 878 lbs (398 kg) 900 lbs (408 kg)
Fuel Capacity 56.0 gal (212 L) 56.0 gal (212 L)
Fuel Burn 8.6 GPH (33 L/h) 11.5 GPH (44 L/h)
TBO 1,400 hrs 1,500 hrs
Overhaul Cost $30,000 $32,000
Annual Fixed $18,000 $22,000
Hourly Variable $130 $150
Engines 1 x Piston 1 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Cessna 172

Fuel$47/hr
Variable$130/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $44,000/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 172 or Cirrus SR20?

Bottom line: Choose the 172 Skyhawk for the proven, economical default — high-wing visibility, support everywhere and the simplest ownership in aviation. Choose the SR20 for the modern Cirrus — a glass cockpit, a composite airframe, the CAPS parachute and a clean path up to the SR22. On safety the SR20 adds a whole-airframe parachute the 172 doesn't have, while the 172 brings a long, benign record; both are gentle trainers — a difference in approach, not a safety gap. Proven classic, or modern composite with a parachute.

Pick the 172 if…

  • Budget matters — from $61,563 vs $179,000, you save ~$117,437.
  • Lower operating cost — ~$130/hr vs $150/hr.

Pick the SR20 if…

  • Faster cruise — 155 kts vs 118 kts.
  • Longer range — 875 nm vs 518 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 1999 vs 1956.
  • More inventory — 185 listings vs 168.

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between the Cessna 172 and Cirrus SR20?
The 172 is a high-wing aluminium classic; the SR20 a modern low-wing composite with a glass cockpit and a parachute. Both are four-seat trainers, differing in materials, features and feel.
Which has a parachute?
The SR20 — the Cirrus CAPS whole-airframe parachute is standard. The 172 relies on conventional engine-out handling and a long safety record.
Which is cheaper to own?
The 172 — the deepest used market and parts support in aviation keep costs down. The composite, glass-cockpit SR20 typically costs more to buy and maintain.
Which is better, Cessna 172 or Cirrus SR20?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 172 cruises at 118 kts with 518 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 $119,900. Cirrus SR20: from $159,900. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 172 and Cirrus SR20?
172 engine: LYCOMING (180 hp). SR20 engine: Continental IO-360-ES (215 hp). Cruise: 118 vs 155 kts. Range: 518 vs 875 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
172: about $130/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?
172: 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?
172: 1,400-hour TBO, overhaul ~$30,000. 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