Piper Malibu vs Cirrus SR22T
The Cirrus SR22T (turbocharged four-seater, unpressurised, ~213 kt, CAPS) and Piper Malibu / M350 (pressurised six-seater, ~213 kt) are different-class aircraft — same peak cruise, but the M350 adds pressurisation and two extra seats.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Piper Malibu | Cirrus SR22T |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $221,274 – $4,582,731 | $149,900 – $1,700,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 5 |
| Horsepower | 310 HP | 315 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 198 kts (367 km/h) | 213 kts (394 km/h) |
| Range | 1,300 nm (2,408 km) | 1,021 nm (1,891 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 25,000 ft (7,620 m) | 25,000 ft (7,620 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 4,100 lbs (1,860 kg) | 3,600 lbs (1,633 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,200 lbs (544 kg) | 1,098 lbs (498 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 120.0 gal (454 L) | 92.0 gal (348 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 16.0 GPH (61 L/h) | 16.0 GPH (61 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $35,000 | $40,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $22,000 | $28,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $190 | $210 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston (Turbocharged) | 1 x Piston (Turbocharged) |
Cost of Ownership
EstimatePiper Malibu
Fuel$88/hr
Variable$190/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$60,000/yr
Cirrus SR22T
Fuel$88/hr
Variable$210/hr
Annual Fixed$28,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$70,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Piper Malibu or Cirrus SR22T?
Bottom line: Choose the Piper M350/Malibu when you need pressurisation and six seats — the more capable cabin. Choose the SR22T for materially lower acquisition cost, CAPS parachute and four-seat operations at the same cruise speed.
Pick the Malibu if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$190/hr vs $210/hr.
- More seats — 6 vs 5.
- Longer range — 1300 nm vs 1021 nm.
Pick the SR22T if…
- Budget matters — from $149,900 vs $221,274, you save ~$71,374.
- Faster cruise — 213 kts vs 198 kts.
- Newer design — production from 2010 vs 1984.
- More inventory — 326 listings vs 303.
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 SR22T?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Malibu cruises at 198 kts with 1,300 nm range.
The SR22T cruises at 213 kts with 1,021 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Piper Malibu: from $496,655.
Cirrus SR22T: from $890,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Piper Malibu and Cirrus SR22T?
SR22T engine: Continental IO-550-N (315 hp).
Seats: 6 vs 5.
Cruise: 198 vs 213 kts.
Range: 1300 vs 1021 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Malibu: about $190/hr variable cost.
SR22T: about $210/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.
SR22T: 5 seats / 1,098 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.
SR22T: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$40,000.
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