Diamond DA40 vs Cirrus SR20
The Cirrus SR20 and Diamond DA40 are direct modern composite four-seat single competitors — the SR20 has CAPS parachute and Cirrus's market-leading dealer network; the DA40 has the lowest operating cost in class, factory Garmin G1000 NXi and the youngest active fleet.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Diamond DA40 | Cirrus SR20 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $149,900 – $733,701 | $100,000 – $804,900 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 180 HP | 215 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 135 kts (250 km/h) | 155 kts (287 km/h) |
| Range | 635 nm (1,176 km) | 875 nm (1,620 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 16,400 ft (4,999 m) | 17,500 ft (5,334 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,535 lbs (1,150 kg) | 3,150 lbs (1,429 kg) |
| Useful Load | 780 lbs (354 kg) | 900 lbs (408 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 40.0 gal (151 L) | 56.0 gal (212 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 9.5 GPH (36 L/h) | 11.5 GPH (44 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $25,000 | $32,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $16,000 | $22,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $120 | $150 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateDiamond DA40
Fuel$52/hr
Variable$120/hr
Annual Fixed$16,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$40,000/yr
Cirrus SR20
Fuel$63/hr
Variable$150/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$52,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Diamond DA40 or Cirrus SR20?
Bottom line: Choose the SR20 for the CAPS whole-airframe parachute and the largest active four- seat composite-single dealer/service network. Choose the DA40 for class-leading low operating cost, benign Diamond handling and the youngest used fleet — when the CAPS parachute isn't a priority.
Pick the DA40 if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$120/hr vs $150/hr.
- Newer design — production from 2000 vs 1999.
Pick the SR20 if…
- Budget matters — from $100,000 vs $149,900, you save ~$49,900.
- Faster cruise — 155 kts vs 135 kts.
- Longer range — 875 nm vs 635 nm.
- More inventory — 194 listings vs 95.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Diamond DA40 or Cirrus SR20?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The DA40 cruises at 135 kts with 635 nm range.
The SR20 cruises at 155 kts with 875 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Diamond DA40: from $529,000.
Cirrus SR20: from $145,575.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Diamond DA40 and Cirrus SR20?
SR20 engine: Continental IO-360-ES (215 hp).
Cruise: 135 vs 155 kts.
Range: 635 vs 875 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
DA40: about $120/hr variable cost.
SR20: about $150/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?
DA40: 4 seats / 780 lb useful load.
SR20: 4 seats / 900 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?
DA40: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$25,000.
SR20: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$32,000.
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