Cirrus SR20 vs Piper Lance
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Cirrus SR20
- For sale now
- 166
- Median asking
- $424,900
- Range
- $179,000–$739,000
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 113
- Source marketplaces
- 16
- Model years available
- 1999–2026
Piper Lance
- For sale now
- 14
- Median asking
- $134,975
- Range
- $61,680–$354,750
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 4
- Source marketplaces
- 6
- Model years available
- 1976–2000
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 SR20 | Piper Lance |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 37 | — |
| Serious | 1 | — |
| Fatal | 16 | — |
| Fatalities | 34 | — |
| % Fatal | 43% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cirrus SR20 | Piper Lance |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $179,000 – $739,000 | $61,680 – $354,750 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 215 HP | 300 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 155 kts (287 km/h) | 142 kts (263 km/h) |
| Range | 875 nm (1,620 km) | 875 nm (1,620 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 17,500 ft (5,334 m) | 16,000 ft (4,877 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,150 lbs (1,429 kg) | 3,600 lbs (1,633 kg) |
| Useful Load | 900 lbs (408 kg) | 1,500 lbs (680 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 56.0 gal (212 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 11.5 GPH (44 L/h) | 14.0 GPH (53 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,500 hrs | — |
| Overhaul Cost | $32,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $22,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $150 | — |
| 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
Piper Lance
Fuel$77/hr
Which Should You Buy: Cirrus SR20 or Piper Lance?
Pick the SR20 if…
- Faster cruise — 155 kts vs 142 kts.
- More inventory — 182 listings vs 21.
Pick the Lance if…
- Budget matters — from $61,680 vs $179,000, you save ~$117,320.
- More seats — 6 vs 4.
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 Piper Lance?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The SR20 cruises at 155 kts with 875 nm range.
The Lance cruises at 142 kts with 875 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cirrus SR20: from $159,900.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cirrus SR20 and Piper Lance?
SR20 engine: Continental IO-360-ES (215 hp).
Seats: 4 vs 6.
Cruise: 155 vs 142 kts.
Range: 875 vs 875 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
SR20: about $150/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.
Lance: 6 seats / 1,500 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.
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