Cirrus SR20 vs Cessna 182
The Cirrus SR20 (composite four-seater, ~155 kt) and Cessna 182 Skylane (~140 kt, ~1,100 lb useful load) are different-philosophy cross-country singles — the SR20 is the modern composite sport/training/touring; the 182 is the classic load-hauling Skylane.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cirrus SR20 | Cessna 182 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $100,000 – $804,900 | $14,500 – $875,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 215 HP | 230 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 155 kts (287 km/h) | 140 kts (259 km/h) |
| Range | 875 nm (1,620 km) | 915 nm (1,695 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 17,500 ft (5,334 m) | 18,100 ft (5,517 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,150 lbs (1,429 kg) | 3,100 lbs (1,406 kg) |
| Useful Load | 900 lbs (408 kg) | 1,110 lbs (503 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 56.0 gal (212 L) | 92.0 gal (348 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 11.5 GPH (44 L/h) | 12.5 GPH (47 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $32,000 | $32,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $22,000 | $20,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $150 | $160 |
| 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 182
Fuel$69/hr
Variable$160/hr
Annual Fixed$20,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$52,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cirrus SR20 or Cessna 182?
Bottom line: Choose the 182 when load-carrying and short-field utility matter — the larger useful load is unmatched in a four-seat single. Choose the SR20 for modern composite construction, CAPS parachute and Garmin Perspective+ avionics — at higher acquisition cost but with more modern features.
Pick the SR20 if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$150/hr vs $160/hr.
- Faster cruise — 155 kts vs 140 kts.
- Newer design — production from 1999 vs 1956.
Pick the 182 if…
- Budget matters — from $14,500 vs $100,000, you save ~$85,500.
- Longer range — 915 nm vs 875 nm.
- More inventory — 475 listings vs 164.
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 182?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The SR20 cruises at 155 kts with 875 nm range.
The 182 cruises at 140 kts with 915 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 182: from $119,950.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cirrus SR20 and Cessna 182?
SR20 engine: Continental IO-360-ES (215 hp).
182 engine: Continental O-470-L (230 hp).
Cruise: 155 vs 140 kts.
Range: 875 vs 915 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
SR20: about $150/hr variable cost.
182: about $160/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.
182: 4 seats / 1,110 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.
182: 2,000-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