Diamond DA50 RG vs Cirrus SR22T
The Diamond DA50 RG (five-seat single-engine Austro AE330 diesel retractable, ~181 kt) and SR22T (four-seat fixed-gear turbocharged piston, ~213 kt, CAPS) are different-propulsion competitors.
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Diamond DA50 RG | Cirrus SR22T |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $738,192 – $1,499,500 | $149,900 – $1,700,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Horsepower | 300 HP | 315 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 180 kts (333 km/h) | 213 kts (394 km/h) |
| Range | 750 nm (1,389 km) | 1,021 nm (1,891 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 20,000 ft (6,096 m) | 25,000 ft (7,620 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,957 lbs (1,795 kg) | 3,600 lbs (1,633 kg) |
| Useful Load | — | 1,098 lbs (498 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 50.0 gal (189 L) | 92.0 gal (348 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 9.0 GPH (34 L/h) | 16.0 GPH (61 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $28,000 | $40,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $18,000 | $28,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $135 | $210 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston (Turbocharged) |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateDiamond DA50 RG
Fuel$50/hr
Variable$135/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$45,000/yr
Cirrus SR22T
Fuel$88/hr
Variable$210/hr
Annual Fixed$28,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$70,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Diamond DA50 RG or Cirrus SR22T?
Bottom line: Choose the SR22T for higher cruise, CAPS parachute and the largest active support network. Choose the DA50 RG for Jet-A diesel economics, retractable-gear efficiency and the modern Diamond composite cabin.
Pick the DA50 RG if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$135/hr vs $210/hr.
- Newer design — production from 2020 vs 2010.
Pick the SR22T if…
- Budget matters — from $149,900 vs $738,192, you save ~$588,292.
- Faster cruise — 213 kts vs 180 kts.
- Longer range — 1021 nm vs 750 nm.
- More inventory — 333 listings vs 31.
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 DA50 RG or Cirrus SR22T?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The DA50 RG cruises at 180 kts with 750 nm range.
The SR22T cruises at 213 kts with 1,021 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Diamond DA50 RG: from $1,175,800.
Cirrus SR22T: from $779,900.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Diamond DA50 RG and Cirrus SR22T?
SR22T engine: Continental IO-550-N (315 hp).
Cruise: 180 vs 213 kts.
Range: 750 vs 1021 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
DA50 RG: about $135/hr variable cost.
SR22T: about $210/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?
DA50 RG: 5 seats.
SR22T: 5 seats / 1,098 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?
DA50 RG: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$28,000.
SR22T: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$40,000.
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