Cirrus SR22 vs Diamond DA40

The Diamond DA40 Star and the Cirrus SR22 are two composite singles at different ends of the performance scale — the efficient, four-seat DA40 and the powerful, five-seat SR22. The DA40 is the economical trainer with a stellar safety record; the SR22 the fast, high-performance flagship with a parachute. Where each trades now is below.

Live Market Snapshot

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

Cirrus SR22
For sale now
255
Median asking
$369,473
Range
$233,400–$867,970
Model years available
2001–2025
Diamond DA40
For sale now
85
Median asking
$424,858
Range
$184,562–$670,700
Model years available
2000–2026

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 SR22Diamond DA40
All events12410
Serious80
Fatal383
Fatalities745
% Fatal31%30%
View full Cirrus SR22 NTSB record →View full Diamond DA40 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Cirrus SR22 Diamond DA40
Cirrus SR22
View 249 listings →
Median $369,473
 Diamond DA40
View 88 listings →
Median $424,858
Price Range $233,400 – $867,970 $184,562 – $670,700
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 5 4
Horsepower 310 HP 180 HP
Cruise Speed 183 kts (339 km/h) 135 kts (250 km/h)
Range 1,049 nm (1,943 km) 635 nm (1,176 km)
Service Ceiling 17,500 ft (5,334 m) 16,400 ft (4,999 m)
Max Gross Weight 3,600 lbs (1,633 kg) 2,535 lbs (1,150 kg)
Useful Load 1,183 lbs (537 kg) 780 lbs (354 kg)
Fuel Capacity 92.0 gal (348 L) 40.0 gal (151 L)
Fuel Burn 13.5 GPH (51 L/h) 9.5 GPH (36 L/h)
TBO 2,000 hrs 2,000 hrs
Overhaul Cost $36,000 $25,000
Annual Fixed $25,000 $16,000
Hourly Variable $180 $120
Engines 1 x Piston 1 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Cirrus SR22

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

Diamond DA40

Fuel$52/hr
Variable$120/hr
Annual Fixed$16,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $40,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Cirrus SR22 or Diamond DA40?

Bottom line: Choose the DA40 Star for efficiency and record — low running costs, great visibility and one of the lowest fatal-accident rates in general aviation. Choose the SR22 for speed and capability — a 310-horsepower engine, faster cruise, five seats and the CAPS parachute for serious cross-country flying. On safety each brings a strong, different case — the DA40 an outstanding record, the SR22 a parachute and a huge support network — and both are excellent; it comes down to economy versus performance. Efficient record-setter, or high-performance parachute single.

Pick the SR22 if…

  • More seats — 5 vs 4.
  • Faster cruise — 183 kts vs 135 kts.
  • Longer range — 1049 nm vs 635 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 2001 vs 2000.
  • More inventory — 249 listings vs 88.

Pick the DA40 if…

  • Budget matters — from $184,562 vs $233,400, you save ~$48,838.
  • Lower operating cost — ~$120/hr vs $180/hr.

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between the DA40 and SR22?
The DA40 is an efficient four-seat trainer with a great safety record; the SR22 a faster, more powerful five-seat single with a parachute. The DA40 is cheaper to run; the SR22 carries and goes more.
Which is faster?
The SR22 — its 310-horsepower engine gives a notably higher cruise than the DA40, which trades speed for efficiency and low costs.
Which is cheaper to own?
The DA40 — less power and (often) a diesel engine mean lower fuel and maintenance. The SR22's performance and systems cost more.
Which is better, Cirrus SR22 or Diamond DA40?
It depends on your mission and budget. The SR22 cruises at 183 kts with 1,049 nm range. The DA40 cruises at 135 kts with 635 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cirrus SR22: from $284,900. Diamond DA40: from $382,026. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cirrus SR22 and Diamond DA40?
SR22 engine: Continental IO-550-N (310 hp). Seats: 5 vs 4. Cruise: 183 vs 135 kts. Range: 1049 vs 635 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
SR22: about $180/hr variable cost. DA40: about $120/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. DA40: 4 seats / 780 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. DA40: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$25,000. 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