Cirrus SR22 vs Vans RV-10
The Van's RV-10 (four-seat kit) and Cirrus SR22 (factory-built composite single) are the classic kit-vs-factory four-seat decision — similar speed and mission, very different ownership path.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cirrus SR22 | Vans RV-10 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $99,000 – $3,150,000 | $259,000 – $529,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Experimental |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 5 | 1 |
| Horsepower | 310 HP | — |
| Cruise Speed | 183 kts (339 km/h) | 4 kts (7 km/h) |
| Range | 1,049 nm (1,943 km) | — |
| Service Ceiling | 17,500 ft (5,334 m) | — |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,600 lbs (1,633 kg) | — |
| Useful Load | 1,183 lbs (537 kg) | — |
| Fuel Capacity | 92.0 gal (348 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 13.5 GPH (51 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
Vans RV-10
Which Should You Buy: Cirrus SR22 or Vans RV-10?
Bottom line: Choose the RV-10 for far lower acquisition cost, owner-maintenance (experimental) and proven Van's performance if you build or buy a well-built example; choose the Cirrus SR22 for a factory-certified airframe, the CAPS whole-airframe parachute and turnkey ownership with dealer support. RV-10 = value/owner-built; SR22 = certified/parachute/turnkey.
Pick the SR22 if…
- Budget matters — from $99,000 vs $259,000, you save ~$160,000.
- More seats — 5 vs 1.
- Faster cruise — 183 kts vs 4 kts.
- More inventory — 253 listings vs 11.
Pick the RV-10 if…
- Newer design — production from 2004 vs 2001.
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 Vans RV-10?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The SR22 cruises at 183 kts with 1,049 nm range.
The RV-10 cruises at 4 kts.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cirrus SR22: from $1,149,900.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cirrus SR22 and Vans RV-10?
SR22 engine: Continental IO-550-N (310 hp).
Seats: 5 vs 1.
Cruise: 183 vs 4 kts.
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.
RV-10: 1 seats.
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