Cirrus SR22 vs Cessna 206
The Cirrus SR22 and Cessna 206 Stationair are both popular six-seat singles, but with different strengths. The low-wing, composite SR22 is fast and modern with an airframe parachute and glass panel, while the high-wing 206 is a rugged load-lifter with a big cargo door and float capability. This is modern speed versus hauling utility.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cirrus SR22 | Cessna 206 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $99,000 – $1,475,000 | $139,000 – $1,295,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 5 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 310 HP | 300 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 183 kts (339 km/h) | 142 kts (263 km/h) |
| Range | 1,049 nm (1,943 km) | 840 nm (1,556 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 17,500 ft (5,334 m) | 15,700 ft (4,785 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,600 lbs (1,633 kg) | 3,600 lbs (1,633 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,183 lbs (537 kg) | 1,400 lbs (635 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 92.0 gal (348 L) | 92.0 gal (348 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 13.5 GPH (51 L/h) | 14.5 GPH (55 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 1,500 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $36,000 | $35,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $25,000 | $22,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $180 | $175 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCirrus SR22
Fuel$74/hr
Variable$180/hr
Annual Fixed$25,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$61,000/yr
Cessna 206
Fuel$80/hr
Variable$175/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$57,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cirrus SR22 or Cessna 206?
Bottom line: Choose the SR22 for high cruise speed, the whole-airframe parachute, and modern avionics; pick the 206 for maximum payload, the cargo door, and float and bush versatility. Mission, safety philosophy, and condition typically decide it.
Pick the SR22 if…
- Budget matters — from $99,000 vs $139,000, you save ~$40,000.
- Faster cruise — 183 kts vs 142 kts.
- Longer range — 1049 nm vs 840 nm.
- Newer design — production from 2001 vs 1964.
- More inventory — 286 listings vs 181.
Pick the 206 if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$175/hr vs $180/hr.
- More seats — 6 vs 5.
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 SR22 or Cessna 206?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The SR22 cruises at 183 kts with 1,049 nm range.
The 206 cruises at 142 kts with 840 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cirrus SR22: from $769,900.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cirrus SR22 and Cessna 206?
SR22 engine: Continental IO-550-N (310 hp).
206 engine: Lycoming IO-540-AC1A5 (300 hp).
Seats: 5 vs 6.
Cruise: 183 vs 142 kts.
Range: 1049 vs 840 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
SR22: about $180/hr variable cost.
206: about $175/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?
SR22: 5 seats / 1,183 lb useful load.
206: 6 seats / 1,400 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?
SR22: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$36,000.
206: 1,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$35,000.
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