Piper Cherokee 140 vs Cirrus SR20
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Piper Cherokee 140 | Cirrus SR20 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $20,000 – $150,000 | $100,000 – $804,900 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 150 HP | 215 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 115 kts (213 km/h) | 155 kts (287 km/h) |
| Range | 455 nm (843 km) | 875 nm (1,620 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,350 ft (4,374 m) | 17,500 ft (5,334 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,150 lbs (975 kg) | 3,150 lbs (1,429 kg) |
| Useful Load | — | 900 lbs (408 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 50.0 gal (189 L) | 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 | $28,000 | $32,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $16,000 | $22,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $120 | $150 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimatePiper Cherokee 140
Fuel$50/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: Piper Cherokee 140 or Cirrus SR20?
Pick the Cherokee 140 if…
- Budget matters — from $20,000 vs $100,000, you save ~$80,000.
- Lower operating cost — ~$120/hr vs $150/hr.
Pick the SR20 if…
- Faster cruise — 155 kts vs 115 kts.
- Longer range — 875 nm vs 455 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1999 vs 1964.
- More inventory — 179 listings vs 107.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Piper Cherokee 140 or Cirrus SR20?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Cherokee 140 cruises at 115 kts with 455 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?
Cirrus SR20: from $145,575.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Piper Cherokee 140 and Cirrus SR20?
SR20 engine: Continental IO-360-ES (215 hp).
Cruise: 115 vs 155 kts.
Range: 455 vs 875 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Cherokee 140: 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?
Cherokee 140: 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?
Cherokee 140: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$28,000.
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