Cirrus SR22 vs Piper Arrow
The Cirrus SR22 (~180-185 kt, four-seat composite, CAPS) and Piper Arrow (~135-140 kt, four-seat retractable) are different generations of high-performance singles — the SR22 is the modern composite; the Arrow is the classic complex-rating retractable.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cirrus SR22 | Piper Arrow |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $99,000 – $1,475,000 | $44,950 – $429,460 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 5 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 310 HP | 200 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 183 kts (339 km/h) | 135 kts (250 km/h) |
| Range | 1,049 nm (1,943 km) | 720 nm (1,333 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 17,500 ft (5,334 m) | 15,400 ft (4,694 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,600 lbs (1,633 kg) | 2,750 lbs (1,247 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,183 lbs (537 kg) | 940 lbs (426 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 92.0 gal (348 L) | 72.0 gal (273 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 13.5 GPH (51 L/h) | 10.5 GPH (40 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $36,000 | $30,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $25,000 | $18,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $180 | $145 |
| 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
Piper Arrow
Fuel$58/hr
Variable$145/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$47,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cirrus SR22 or Piper Arrow?
Bottom line: Choose the SR22 for the CAPS parachute, modern Garmin Perspective+ and 40+ kt more cruise. Choose the Arrow for materially lower acquisition cost and complex-rating training utility.
Pick the SR22 if…
- More seats — 5 vs 4.
- Faster cruise — 183 kts vs 135 kts.
- Longer range — 1049 nm vs 720 nm.
- Newer design — production from 2001 vs 1967.
- More inventory — 286 listings vs 195.
Pick the Arrow if…
- Budget matters — from $44,950 vs $99,000, you save ~$54,050.
- Lower operating cost — ~$145/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
Which is better, Cirrus SR22 or Piper Arrow?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The SR22 cruises at 183 kts with 1,049 nm range.
The Arrow cruises at 135 kts with 720 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cirrus SR22: from $769,900.
Piper Arrow: from $79,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cirrus SR22 and Piper Arrow?
SR22 engine: Continental IO-550-N (310 hp).
Seats: 5 vs 4.
Cruise: 183 vs 135 kts.
Range: 1049 vs 720 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
SR22: about $180/hr variable cost.
Arrow: about $145/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.
Arrow: 4 seats / 940 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.
Arrow: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$30,000.
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