Cirrus SR20 vs Diamond DA40

The Diamond DA40 Star and the Cirrus SR20 are two modern composite four-seat trainers, each with a strong safety story — the DA40 for its accident record, the SR20 for its parachute. The DA40 is the efficient, record-setting Diamond; the SR20 the parachute-equipped, glass-cockpit entry Cirrus. Where each trades now is below.

Live Market Snapshot

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

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
Diamond DA40
For sale now
85
Median asking
$424,858
Range
$184,562–$670,700
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
39
Source marketplaces
10
Model years available
2000–2026

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)Cirrus SR20Diamond DA40
All events3710
Serious10
Fatal163
Fatalities345
% Fatal43%30%
View full Cirrus SR20 NTSB record →View full Diamond DA40 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Cirrus SR20 Diamond DA40
Cirrus SR20
View 185 listings →
Median $424,900
 Diamond DA40
View 90 listings →
Median $424,858
Price Range $179,000 – $739,000 $184,562 – $670,700
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 4 4
Horsepower 215 HP 180 HP
Cruise Speed 155 kts (287 km/h) 135 kts (250 km/h)
Range 875 nm (1,620 km) 635 nm (1,176 km)
Service Ceiling 17,500 ft (5,334 m) 16,400 ft (4,999 m)
Max Gross Weight 3,150 lbs (1,429 kg) 2,535 lbs (1,150 kg)
Useful Load 900 lbs (408 kg) 780 lbs (354 kg)
Fuel Capacity 56.0 gal (212 L) 40.0 gal (151 L)
Fuel Burn 11.5 GPH (44 L/h) 9.5 GPH (36 L/h)
TBO 1,500 hrs 2,000 hrs
Overhaul Cost $32,000 $25,000
Annual Fixed $22,000 $16,000
Hourly Variable $150 $120
Engines 1 x Piston 1 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Cirrus SR20

Fuel$63/hr
Variable$150/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $52,000/yr

Diamond DA40

Fuel$52/hr
Variable$120/hr
Annual Fixed$16,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $40,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Cirrus SR20 or Diamond DA40?

Bottom line: Choose the DA40 Star for composite efficiency and record — low fuel burn, great visibility and one of the lowest fatal-accident rates in general aviation. Choose the SR20 for the Cirrus parachute and ecosystem — the CAPS whole-airframe parachute, a glass cockpit and a clean path up to the SR22. On safety each brings a different strong case — the DA40 an outstanding record, the SR20 a parachute — and both are excellent; it comes down to which approach you value. Composite record, or parachute and ecosystem.

Pick the SR20 if…

  • Budget matters — from $179,000 vs $184,562, you save ~$5,562.
  • Faster cruise — 155 kts vs 135 kts.
  • Longer range — 875 nm vs 635 nm.
  • More inventory — 185 listings vs 90.

Pick the DA40 if…

  • Lower operating cost — ~$120/hr vs $150/hr.
  • Newer design — production from 2000 vs 1999.

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 DA40 and SR20?
Both are modern composite four-seat trainers — the DA40 efficient with an exceptional safety record, the SR20 parachute-equipped with a glass cockpit and the Cirrus upgrade path. They differ in approach and feel.
Which is safer?
Both have strong safety cases — the DA40 one of GA's lowest fatal-accident rates, the SR20 a whole-airframe parachute. Neither is a clear step above; both reward good training.
Which has a parachute?
The SR20 — CAPS is standard. The DA40 relies on its crashworthy design and outstanding accident record rather than a parachute.
Which is better, Cirrus SR20 or Diamond DA40?
It depends on your mission and budget. The SR20 cruises at 155 kts with 875 nm range. The DA40 cruises at 135 kts with 635 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cirrus SR20: from $159,900. Diamond DA40: from $539,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cirrus SR20 and Diamond DA40?
SR20 engine: Continental IO-360-ES (215 hp). Cruise: 155 vs 135 kts. Range: 875 vs 635 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
SR20: about $150/hr variable cost. DA40: about $120/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?
SR20: 4 seats / 900 lb useful load. DA40: 4 seats / 780 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?
SR20: 1,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$32,000. DA40: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$25,000. 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