Cirrus SR20 vs Cessna 150
The Cessna 150/152 (two-seat trainer) and Cirrus SR20 (four-seat cross-country) are very different aircraft — the 150 is a two-seat fixed-gear primary trainer (~90 kt); the SR20 is a modern four-seat composite single (~155 kt) with CAPS parachute and Garmin glass.
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cirrus SR20 | Cessna 150 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $100,000 – $804,900 | $25,000 – $129,900 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 2 |
| Horsepower | 215 HP | 100 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 155 kts (287 km/h) | 97 kts (180 km/h) |
| Range | 875 nm (1,620 km) | 420 nm (778 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 17,500 ft (5,334 m) | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,150 lbs (1,429 kg) | 1,600 lbs (726 kg) |
| Useful Load | 900 lbs (408 kg) | 530 lbs (240 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 56.0 gal (212 L) | 26.0 gal (98 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 11.5 GPH (44 L/h) | 6.0 GPH (23 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,400 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $32,000 | $25,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $22,000 | $15,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $150 | $100 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCirrus SR20
Fuel$63/hr
Variable$150/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$52,000/yr
Cessna 150
Fuel$33/hr
Variable$100/hr
Annual Fixed$15,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$35,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cirrus SR20 or Cessna 150?
Bottom line: Choose the 150/152 only for primary training or a cheap fun-flyer two-seater. Choose the SR20 for a real four-seat travel airplane with modern systems — the two aircraft don't really compete; they serve different missions at very different price points.
Pick the SR20 if…
- More seats — 4 vs 2.
- Faster cruise — 155 kts vs 97 kts.
- Longer range — 875 nm vs 420 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1999 vs 1959.
- More inventory — 164 listings vs 130.
Pick the 150 if…
- Budget matters — from $25,000 vs $100,000, you save ~$75,000.
- Lower operating cost — ~$100/hr vs $150/hr.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Cirrus SR20 or Cessna 150?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The SR20 cruises at 155 kts with 875 nm range.
The 150 cruises at 97 kts with 420 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cirrus SR20 and Cessna 150?
SR20 engine: Continental IO-360-ES (215 hp).
150 engine: Continental O-200 (100 hp).
Seats: 4 vs 2.
Cruise: 155 vs 97 kts.
Range: 875 vs 420 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
SR20: about $150/hr variable cost.
150: about $100/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.
150: 2 seats / 530 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: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$32,000.
150: 2,400-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