Cirrus SR22 vs Piper Dakota
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
Piper Dakota
- For sale now
- 20
- Median asking
- $185,000
- Range
- $138,500–$301,040
- Model years available
- 1978–1994
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 SR22 | Piper Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 124 | — |
| Serious | 8 | — |
| Fatal | 38 | — |
| Fatalities | 74 | — |
| % Fatal | 31% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cirrus SR22 | Piper Dakota |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $233,400 – $867,970 | $138,500 – $301,040 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 5 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 310 HP | 235 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 183 kts (339 km/h) | 143 kts (265 km/h) |
| Range | 1,049 nm (1,943 km) | 650 nm (1,204 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 17,500 ft (5,334 m) | 17,000 ft (5,182 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,600 lbs (1,633 kg) | 3,000 lbs (1,361 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,183 lbs (537 kg) | 1,150 lbs (522 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 92.0 gal (348 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 13.5 GPH (51 L/h) | 13.0 GPH (49 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | — |
| Overhaul Cost | $36,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $25,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $180 | — |
| 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 Dakota
Fuel$72/hr
Which Should You Buy: Cirrus SR22 or Piper Dakota?
Pick the SR22 if…
- More seats — 5 vs 4.
- Faster cruise — 183 kts vs 143 kts.
- Longer range — 1049 nm vs 650 nm.
- More inventory — 253 listings vs 20.
Pick the Dakota if…
- Budget matters — from $138,500 vs $233,400, you save ~$94,900.
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 Dakota?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The SR22 cruises at 183 kts with 1,049 nm range.
The Dakota cruises at 143 kts with 650 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cirrus SR22: from $284,900.
Piper Dakota: from $279,500.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cirrus SR22 and Piper Dakota?
SR22 engine: Continental IO-550-N (310 hp).
Seats: 5 vs 4.
Cruise: 183 vs 143 kts.
Range: 1049 vs 650 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
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?
SR22: 5 seats / 1,183 lb useful load.
Dakota: 4 seats / 1,150 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.
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