Cirrus SR20 vs Mooney 201

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.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle

Cirrus SR20
For sale now
166
Median asking
$424,900
Range
$179,000–$739,000
Model years available
1999–2026
Mooney 201
For sale now
57
Median asking
$139,450
Range
$96,250–$234,955
Model years available
1977–1998

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 SR20Mooney 201
All events371
Serious10
Fatal160
Fatalities340
% Fatal43%0%
View full Cirrus SR20 NTSB record →View full Mooney 201 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Cirrus SR20 Mooney 201
Cirrus SR20
View 167 listings →
Median $424,900
 Mooney 201
View 9 listings →
Median $139,450
Price Range $179,000 – $739,000 $96,250 – $234,955
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 1,500 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

Estimate

Cirrus SR20

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

Mooney 201

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 201?

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 — 167 listings vs 9.

Pick the 201 if…

  • Budget matters — from $96,250 vs $179,000, you save ~$82,750.
  • 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 201?
It depends on your mission and budget. The SR20 cruises at 155 kts with 875 nm range. The 201 cruises at 161 kts with 820 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cirrus SR20: from $239,900. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cirrus SR20 and Mooney 201?
SR20 engine: Continental IO-360-ES (215 hp). 201 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. 201: 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. 201: 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: 1,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$32,000. 201: 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 re-checked on a rolling cycle — most within a few days · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data