Mooney M20M vs Piper Saratoga
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Mooney M20M | Piper Saratoga |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $105,000 – $349,900 | $39,900 – $745,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 6 |
| Horsepower | — | 300 HP |
| Cruise Speed | — | 163 kts (302 km/h) |
| Range | — | 950 nm (1,759 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 20,000 ft (6,096 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 12,500 lbs (5,670 kg) | 3,600 lbs (1,633 kg) |
| Useful Load | — | 1,360 lbs (617 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 102.0 gal (386 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 16.0 GPH (61 L/h) | 15.0 GPH (57 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $35,000 | $32,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $22,000 | $20,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $180 | $170 |
| Engines | 1 x Reciprocating | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateMooney M20M
Fuel$88/hr
Variable$180/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$58,000/yr
Piper Saratoga
Fuel$82/hr
Variable$170/hr
Annual Fixed$20,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$54,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Mooney M20M or Piper Saratoga?
Pick the M20M if…
- Newer design — production from 1988 vs 1980.
Pick the Saratoga if…
- Budget matters — from $39,900 vs $105,000, you save ~$65,100.
- Lower operating cost — ~$170/hr vs $180/hr.
- More seats — 6 vs 4.
- More inventory — 163 listings vs 25.
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 M20M or Piper Saratoga?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Saratoga cruises at 163 kts with 950 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Mooney M20M: from $239,000.
Piper Saratoga: from $494,900.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Mooney M20M and Piper Saratoga?
M20M engine: Lycoming TIO-540.
Seats: 4 vs 6.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
M20M: about $180/hr variable cost.
Saratoga: about $170/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?
M20M: 4 seats.
Saratoga: 6 seats / 1,360 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?
M20M: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$35,000.
Saratoga: 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