Mooney M20C vs Cirrus SR20
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Mooney M20C | Cirrus SR20 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $39,900 – $174,200 | $100,000 – $804,900 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Horsepower | — | 215 HP |
| Cruise Speed | — | 155 kts (287 km/h) |
| Range | — | 875 nm (1,620 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 17,500 ft (5,334 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 12,500 lbs (5,670 kg) | 3,150 lbs (1,429 kg) |
| Useful Load | — | 900 lbs (408 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 56.0 gal (212 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 9.0 GPH (34 L/h) | 11.5 GPH (44 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $22,000 | $32,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $14,000 | $22,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $100 | $150 |
| Engines | 1 x Reciprocating | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateMooney M20C
Fuel$50/hr
Variable$100/hr
Annual Fixed$14,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$34,000/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: Mooney M20C or Cirrus SR20?
Pick the M20C if…
- Budget matters — from $39,900 vs $100,000, you save ~$60,100.
- Lower operating cost — ~$100/hr vs $150/hr.
Pick the SR20 if…
- Newer design — production from 1999 vs 1962.
- More inventory — 164 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, Mooney M20C or Cirrus SR20?
It depends on your mission and budget.
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?
Mooney M20C: from $174,200.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Mooney M20C and Cirrus SR20?
M20C engine: Lycoming O-360.
SR20 engine: Continental IO-360-ES (215 hp).
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
M20C: about $100/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?
M20C: 4 seats.
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?
M20C: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$22,000.
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