Cirrus SR20 vs Piper Dakota
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Cirrus SR20
- For sale now
- 166
- Median asking
- $424,900
- Range
- $179,000–$739,000
- Model years available
- 1999–2026
Piper Dakota
- For sale now
- 20
- Median asking
- $185,000
- Range
- $138,500–$301,040
- Model years available
- 1978–1994
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
Safety Record
Absolute counts scale with fleet size — the most-produced types log more events without being less safe. Compare the % fatal.
| NTSB (1982–now) | Cirrus SR20 | Piper Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 37 | — |
| Serious | 1 | — |
| Fatal | 16 | — |
| Fatalities | 34 | — |
| % Fatal | 43% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cirrus SR20 | Piper Dakota |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $179,000 – $739,000 | $138,500 – $301,040 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 215 HP | 235 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 155 kts (287 km/h) | 143 kts (265 km/h) |
| Range | 875 nm (1,620 km) | 650 nm (1,204 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 17,500 ft (5,334 m) | 17,000 ft (5,182 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,150 lbs (1,429 kg) | 3,000 lbs (1,361 kg) |
| Useful Load | 900 lbs (408 kg) | 1,150 lbs (522 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 56.0 gal (212 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 11.5 GPH (44 L/h) | 13.0 GPH (49 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,500 hrs | — |
| Overhaul Cost | $32,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $22,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $150 | — |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCirrus SR20
Fuel$63/hr
Variable$150/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$52,000/yr
Piper Dakota
Fuel$72/hr
Which Should You Buy: Cirrus SR20 or Piper Dakota?
Pick the SR20 if…
- Faster cruise — 155 kts vs 143 kts.
- Longer range — 875 nm vs 650 nm.
- More inventory — 163 listings vs 20.
Pick the Dakota if…
- Budget matters — from $138,500 vs $179,000, you save ~$40,500.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Cirrus SR20 or Piper Dakota?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The SR20 cruises at 155 kts with 875 nm range.
The Dakota cruises at 143 kts with 650 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cirrus SR20: from $239,900.
Piper Dakota: from $279,500.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cirrus SR20 and Piper Dakota?
SR20 engine: Continental IO-360-ES (215 hp).
Cruise: 155 vs 143 kts.
Range: 875 vs 650 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
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?
SR20: 4 seats / 900 lb useful load.
Dakota: 4 seats / 1,150 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?
SR20: 1,500-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