Cirrus SR22 vs Piper Malibu
The Piper Malibu and the Cirrus SR22 are two capable singles that take different paths — the pressurised, cabin-class Malibu and the fast composite SR22 with a parachute. The Malibu flies high in a pressurised cabin; the SR22 pairs speed with a glass cockpit and the CAPS parachute. Where each trades now is below.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
- For sale now
- 255
- Median asking
- $369,473
- Range
- $233,400–$867,970
- Model years available
- 2001–2025
- For sale now
- 281
- Median asking
- $950,000
- Range
- $417,000–$3,032,000
- Model years available
- 1984–2026
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 SR22 | Piper Malibu |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 124 | — |
| Serious | 8 | — |
| Fatal | 38 | — |
| Fatalities | 74 | — |
| % Fatal | 31% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Cirrus SR22 | Piper Malibu |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $233,400 – $867,970 | $417,000 – $3,032,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 5 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 310 HP | 310 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 183 kts (339 km/h) | 213 kts (394 km/h) |
| Range | 1,049 nm (1,943 km) | 1,300 nm (2,408 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 17,500 ft (5,334 m) | 25,000 ft (7,620 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,600 lbs (1,633 kg) | 4,100 lbs (1,860 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,183 lbs (537 kg) | 1,200 lbs (544 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 92.0 gal (348 L) | 120.0 gal (454 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 13.5 GPH (51 L/h) | 16.0 GPH (61 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $36,000 | $35,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $25,000 | $22,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $180 | $190 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston (Turbocharged) |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCirrus SR22
Piper Malibu
Which Should You Buy: Cirrus SR22 or Piper Malibu?
Bottom line: Choose the Malibu for pressurised, high-altitude travel — a sealed, cabin-class cabin to cross weather above much of it. Choose the SR22 for modern speed and a safety net — a glass cockpit, a composite airframe, fixed-gear simplicity and the CAPS parachute. On safety the two answer it differently: the Malibu's pressurisation removes the high-altitude oxygen burden, while the SR22 adds a parachute — different approaches, both strong. Pressurised cabin-class, or fast composite with a parachute.
Pick the SR22 if…
- Budget matters — from $233,400 vs $417,000, you save ~$183,600.
- Lower operating cost — ~$180/hr vs $190/hr.
- Newer design — production from 2001 vs 1984.
- More inventory — 253 listings vs 23.
Pick the Malibu if…
- More seats — 6 vs 5.
- Faster cruise — 213 kts vs 183 kts.
- Longer range — 1300 nm vs 1049 nm.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.