Piper Malibu vs Cirrus SR22
The Cirrus SR22 (four-seat composite, ~180-185 kt, unpressurised) and Piper Malibu PA-46 (six-seat pressurised, ~213-240 kt depending on variant — Mirage piston, M350 turbocharged, M500/M600 turboprop) are different-class aircraft.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Piper Malibu | Cirrus SR22 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $221,274 – $4,582,731 | $99,000 – $1,475,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 5 |
| Horsepower | 310 HP | 310 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 198 kts (367 km/h) | 183 kts (339 km/h) |
| Range | 1,300 nm (2,408 km) | 1,049 nm (1,943 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 25,000 ft (7,620 m) | 17,500 ft (5,334 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 4,100 lbs (1,860 kg) | 3,600 lbs (1,633 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,200 lbs (544 kg) | 1,183 lbs (537 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 120.0 gal (454 L) | 92.0 gal (348 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 16.0 GPH (61 L/h) | 13.5 GPH (51 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $35,000 | $36,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $22,000 | $25,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $190 | $180 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston (Turbocharged) | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimatePiper Malibu
Fuel$88/hr
Variable$190/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$60,000/yr
Cirrus SR22
Fuel$74/hr
Variable$180/hr
Annual Fixed$25,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$61,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Piper Malibu or Cirrus SR22?
Bottom line: Choose the Malibu/M-series when you need pressurisation, six seats and the longer- range cross-country mission — significantly more capable. Choose the SR22 for four-seat operations at materially lower acquisition and operating cost, with CAPS parachute and the largest dealer network.
Pick the Malibu if…
- More seats — 6 vs 5.
- Faster cruise — 198 kts vs 183 kts.
- Longer range — 1300 nm vs 1049 nm.
- More inventory — 303 listings vs 275.
Pick the SR22 if…
- Budget matters — from $99,000 vs $221,274, you save ~$122,274.
- Lower operating cost — ~$180/hr vs $190/hr.
- Newer design — production from 2001 vs 1984.
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 Malibu or Cirrus SR22?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Malibu cruises at 198 kts with 1,300 nm range.
The SR22 cruises at 183 kts with 1,049 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Piper Malibu: from $496,655.
Cirrus SR22: from $769,900.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Piper Malibu and Cirrus SR22?
SR22 engine: Continental IO-550-N (310 hp).
Seats: 6 vs 5.
Cruise: 198 vs 183 kts.
Range: 1300 vs 1049 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Malibu: about $190/hr variable cost.
SR22: about $180/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?
Malibu: 6 seats / 1,200 lb useful load.
SR22: 5 seats / 1,183 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?
Malibu: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$35,000.
SR22: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$36,000.
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