Cirrus SR20 vs Piper Matrix

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
Model years available
1999–2026
Piper Matrix
For sale now
13
Median asking
$622,000
Range
$454,650–$757,800
Model years available
2008–2013

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 SR20Piper Matrix
All events37
Serious1
Fatal16
Fatalities34
% Fatal43%

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Cirrus SR20 Piper Matrix
Cirrus SR20
View 164 listings →
Median $424,900
Piper Matrix
View 13 listings →
Median $622,000
Price Range $179,000 – $739,000 $454,650 – $757,800
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 4 6
Horsepower 215 HP 350 HP
Cruise Speed 155 kts (287 km/h) 195 kts (361 km/h)
Range 875 nm (1,620 km) 1,200 nm (2,222 km)
Service Ceiling 17,500 ft (5,334 m) 25,000 ft (7,620 m)
Max Gross Weight 3,150 lbs (1,429 kg) 4,340 lbs (1,969 kg)
Useful Load 900 lbs (408 kg) 1,343 lbs (609 kg)
Fuel Capacity 56.0 gal (212 L) 120.0 gal (454 L)
Fuel Burn 11.5 GPH (44 L/h) 18.0 GPH (68 L/h)
TBO 1,500 hrs
Overhaul Cost $32,000
Annual Fixed $22,000
Hourly Variable $150
Engines 1 x Piston 1 x Piston (Turbocharged)

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Cirrus SR20

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

Piper Matrix

Fuel$99/hr

Which Should You Buy: Cirrus SR20 or Piper Matrix?

Pick the SR20 if…

  • Budget matters — from $179,000 vs $454,650, you save ~$275,650.
  • More inventory — 164 listings vs 13.

Pick the Matrix if…

  • More seats — 6 vs 4.
  • Faster cruise — 195 kts vs 155 kts.
  • Longer range — 1200 nm vs 875 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 2008 vs 1999.

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 Matrix?
It depends on your mission and budget. The SR20 cruises at 155 kts with 875 nm range. The Matrix cruises at 195 kts with 1,200 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 Matrix?
SR20 engine: Continental IO-360-ES (215 hp). Seats: 4 vs 6. Cruise: 155 vs 195 kts. Range: 875 vs 1200 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. Matrix: 6 seats / 1,343 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