Cessna 400 Sl vs Cirrus SR22

The Cessna 400 (former Columbia 400, ~235 kt turbocharged composite) and Cirrus SR22 (~180-185 kt normally-aspirated, or ~213 kt for SR22T turbo) are competing high-performance singles — the Cessna 400 is the fastest fixed-gear piston single ever certified; the SR22 has CAPS parachute and the larger active fleet.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily

Cessna 400 Sl

No active listings right now.

Cirrus SR22
For sale now
255
Median asking
$369,473
Range
$233,400–$867,970
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
149
Source marketplaces
16
Model years available
2001–2025

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)Cessna 400 SlCirrus SR22
All events124
Serious8
Fatal38
Fatalities74
% Fatal31%

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Cessna 400 Sl Cirrus SR22
Cirrus SR22
View 262 listings →
Median $369,473
Price Range $233,400 – $867,970
Category Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 4 5
Horsepower 310 HP 310 HP
Cruise Speed 235 kts (435 km/h) 183 kts (339 km/h)
Range 1,250 nm (2,315 km) 1,049 nm (1,943 km)
Service Ceiling 25,000 ft (7,620 m) 17,500 ft (5,334 m)
Max Gross Weight 3,600 lbs (1,633 kg) 3,600 lbs (1,633 kg)
Useful Load 1,183 lbs (537 kg)
Fuel Capacity 92.0 gal (348 L) 92.0 gal (348 L)
Fuel Burn 17.0 GPH (64 L/h) 13.5 GPH (51 L/h)
TBO 2,000 hrs 2,000 hrs
Overhaul Cost $38,000 $36,000
Annual Fixed $25,000 $25,000
Hourly Variable $200 $180
Engines 1 x Piston 1 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Cessna 400 Sl

Fuel$94/hr
Variable$200/hr
Annual Fixed$25,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $65,000/yr

Cirrus SR22

Fuel$74/hr
Variable$180/hr
Annual Fixed$25,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $61,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Cessna 400 Sl or Cirrus SR22?

Bottom line: Choose the Cessna 400 (or its TTx successor) for outright speed — class-leading cruise. Choose the SR22 for the CAPS whole-airframe parachute, modern Garmin Perspective+, the largest dealer network and stronger residual values.

Pick the 400 Sl if…

  • Faster cruise — 235 kts vs 183 kts.
  • Longer range — 1250 nm vs 1049 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 2004 vs 2001.

Pick the SR22 if…

  • Lower operating cost — ~$180/hr vs $200/hr.
  • More seats — 5 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, Cessna 400 Sl or Cirrus SR22?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 400 Sl cruises at 235 kts with 1,250 nm range. The SR22 cruises at 183 kts with 1,049 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cirrus SR22: from $825,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 400 Sl and Cirrus SR22?
SR22 engine: Continental IO-550-N (310 hp). Seats: 4 vs 5. Cruise: 235 vs 183 kts. Range: 1250 vs 1049 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
400 Sl: about $200/hr variable cost. SR22: about $180/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?
400 Sl: 4 seats. SR22: 5 seats / 1,183 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?
400 Sl: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$38,000. SR22: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$36,000. 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