Cirrus SR20 vs Cessna 172
The Cirrus SR20 and Cessna 172 are both four-seat aircraft with very different philosophies. The composite SR20 brings a side-stick, glass cockpit, and a whole-airframe parachute, while the high-wing 172 offers proven simplicity and unmatched support. This is the modern composite versus classic trainer debate.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cirrus SR20 | Cessna 172 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $100,000 – $804,900 | $27,900 – $589,500 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 215 HP | 180 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 155 kts (287 km/h) | 122 kts (226 km/h) |
| Range | 875 nm (1,620 km) | 640 nm (1,185 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 17,500 ft (5,334 m) | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,150 lbs (1,429 kg) | 2,550 lbs (1,157 kg) |
| Useful Load | 900 lbs (408 kg) | 878 lbs (398 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 56.0 gal (212 L) | 56.0 gal (212 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 11.5 GPH (44 L/h) | 8.6 GPH (33 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $32,000 | $30,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $22,000 | $18,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $150 | $130 |
| 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 172
Fuel$47/hr
Variable$130/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$44,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cirrus SR20 or Cessna 172?
Bottom line: Choose the SR20 for a modern composite airframe, glass avionics, and the airframe parachute system; pick the 172 for simplicity, lower operating costs, and the broadest parts and service network. Both are capable four-seaters, so budget, avionics, and condition typically decide the purchase.
Pick the SR20 if…
- Faster cruise — 155 kts vs 122 kts.
- Longer range — 875 nm vs 640 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1999 vs 1956.
Pick the 172 if…
- Budget matters — from $27,900 vs $100,000, you save ~$72,100.
- Lower operating cost — ~$130/hr vs $150/hr.
- More inventory — 410 listings vs 179.
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 172?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The SR20 cruises at 155 kts with 875 nm range.
The 172 cruises at 122 kts with 640 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cirrus SR20: from $145,575.
Cessna 172: from $125,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cirrus SR20 and Cessna 172?
SR20 engine: Continental IO-360-ES (215 hp).
172 engine: Continental O-300 (180 hp).
Cruise: 155 vs 122 kts.
Range: 875 vs 640 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
SR20: about $150/hr variable cost.
172: about $130/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.
172: 4 seats / 878 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.
172: 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 updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data