Cirrus SR22 vs Waco YMF-5C
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle
Cirrus SR22
- For sale now
- 255
- Median asking
- $369,473
- Range
- $233,400–$867,970
- Model years available
- 2001–2025
Waco YMF-5C
- For sale now
- 12
- Median asking
- $276,000
- Range
- $181,543–$481,550
- Model years available
- 1934–2025
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) | Cirrus SR22 | Waco YMF-5C |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 124 | 2 |
| Serious | 8 | 0 |
| Fatal | 38 | 0 |
| Fatalities | 74 | 0 |
| % Fatal | 31% | 0% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cirrus SR22 | Waco YMF-5C |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $233,400 – $867,970 | $181,543 – $481,550 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 5 | 3 |
| Horsepower | 310 HP | 300 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 183 kts (339 km/h) | 100 kts (185 km/h) |
| Range | 1,049 nm (1,943 km) | 432 nm (800 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 17,500 ft (5,334 m) | 17,000 ft (5,182 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,600 lbs (1,633 kg) | — |
| Useful Load | 1,183 lbs (537 kg) | 850 lbs (386 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 92.0 gal (348 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 13.5 GPH (51 L/h) | 15.0 GPH (57 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
Waco YMF-5C
Fuel$82/hr
Which Should You Buy: Cirrus SR22 or Waco YMF-5C?
Pick the SR22 if…
- More seats — 5 vs 3.
- Faster cruise — 183 kts vs 100 kts.
- Longer range — 1049 nm vs 432 nm.
- Newer design — production from 2001 vs 1986.
- More inventory — 252 listings vs 6.
Pick the YMF-5C if…
- Budget matters — from $181,543 vs $233,400, you save ~$51,857.
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 Waco YMF-5C?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The SR22 cruises at 183 kts with 1,049 nm range.
The YMF-5C cruises at 100 kts with 432 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cirrus SR22: from $417,192.
Waco YMF-5C: from $250,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cirrus SR22 and Waco YMF-5C?
SR22 engine: Continental IO-550-N (310 hp).
Seats: 5 vs 3.
Cruise: 183 vs 100 kts.
Range: 1049 vs 432 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.
YMF-5C: 3 seats / 850 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 re-checked on a rolling cycle — most within a few days · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data