Cirrus SR20 vs Mooney M20J
The Cirrus SR20 (composite, fixed-gear, CAPS parachute, ~155 kt) and Mooney M20J (aluminium, retractable, no chute, ~160 kt) are direct cross-country competitors but with very different philosophies — Cirrus is the modern safety-system airplane; Mooney is the classic efficiency machine.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cirrus SR20 | Mooney M20J |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $100,000 – $804,900 | $59,363 – $266,441 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 215 HP | 200 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 155 kts (287 km/h) | 161 kts (298 km/h) |
| Range | 875 nm (1,620 km) | 820 nm (1,519 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 17,500 ft (5,334 m) | 18,800 ft (5,730 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,150 lbs (1,429 kg) | 2,740 lbs (1,243 kg) |
| Useful Load | 900 lbs (408 kg) | 900 lbs (408 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 56.0 gal (212 L) | 64.0 gal (242 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 11.5 GPH (44 L/h) | 10.0 GPH (38 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $32,000 | $30,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $22,000 | $18,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $150 | $140 |
| 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
Mooney M20J
Fuel$55/hr
Variable$140/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$46,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cirrus SR20 or Mooney M20J?
Bottom line: Choose the SR20 for the CAPS whole-airframe parachute, modern Garmin Perspective+ cockpit and the largest active four-seat piston-single dealer/support network. Choose the M20J for proven cross-country efficiency, lower acquisition cost and a no-parachute classic Mooney experience.
Pick the SR20 if…
- Longer range — 875 nm vs 820 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1999 vs 1977.
- More inventory — 164 listings vs 56.
Pick the M20J if…
- Budget matters — from $59,363 vs $100,000, you save ~$40,637.
- Lower operating cost — ~$140/hr vs $150/hr.
- Faster cruise — 161 kts vs 155 kts.
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 Mooney M20J?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The SR20 cruises at 155 kts with 875 nm range.
The M20J cruises at 161 kts with 820 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 Mooney M20J?
SR20 engine: Continental IO-360-ES (215 hp).
M20J engine: Lycoming O-320 (200 hp).
Cruise: 155 vs 161 kts.
Range: 875 vs 820 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
SR20: about $150/hr variable cost.
M20J: about $140/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.
M20J: 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?
SR20: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$32,000.
M20J: 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