Cirrus SR20 vs Piper Cherokee
The Cirrus SR20 (modern composite, ~155 kt, Garmin Perspective+, CAPS) and Piper Cherokee PA-28 series (~115-130 kt depending on variant, aluminium fixed-gear) are different generations of four-seat fixed-gear singles — the SR20 is the modern composite; the Cherokee is the classic training/touring workhorse.
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Cirrus SR20 | Piper Cherokee |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $100,000 – $804,900 | $9,800 – $554,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 215 HP | 150 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 155 kts (287 km/h) | 117 kts (217 km/h) |
| Range | 875 nm (1,620 km) | 525 nm (972 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 17,500 ft (5,334 m) | 14,300 ft (4,359 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,150 lbs (1,429 kg) | 2,150 lbs (975 kg) |
| Useful Load | 900 lbs (408 kg) | 850 lbs (386 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 56.0 gal (212 L) | 50.0 gal (189 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 11.5 GPH (44 L/h) | 8.0 GPH (30 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $32,000 | $28,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $22,000 | $16,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $150 | $120 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCirrus SR20
Piper Cherokee
Which Should You Buy: Cirrus SR20 or Piper Cherokee?
Bottom line: Choose the SR20 for modern Garmin glass, CAPS parachute and ~25-40 kt more cruise. Choose the Cherokee for the lowest acquisition cost, the most forgiving handling and the broadest support network — when modern features aren't worth the price premium. ================================================================ # SR22 × OTHERS (12) ================================================================
Pick the SR20 if…
- Faster cruise — 155 kts vs 117 kts.
- Longer range — 875 nm vs 525 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1999 vs 1961.
Pick the Cherokee if…
- Budget matters — from $9,800 vs $100,000, you save ~$90,200.
- Lower operating cost — ~$120/hr vs $150/hr.
- More inventory — 612 listings vs 164.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.