Cirrus SR20 vs Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle
Cirrus SR20
- For sale now
- 166
- Median asking
- $424,900
- Range
- $179,000–$739,000
- Model years available
- 1999–2026
Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser
- For sale now
- 12
- Median asking
- $80,000
- Range
- $56,750–$172,500
- Model years available
- 1946–1947
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 PA-12 Super Cruiser |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 37 | — |
| Serious | 1 | — |
| Fatal | 16 | — |
| Fatalities | 34 | — |
| % Fatal | 43% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cirrus SR20 | Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $179,000 – $739,000 | $56,750 – $172,500 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 3 |
| Horsepower | 215 HP | 108 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 155 kts (287 km/h) | 90 kts (167 km/h) |
| Range | 875 nm (1,620 km) | 520 nm (963 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 17,500 ft (5,334 m) | 16,000 ft (4,877 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,150 lbs (1,429 kg) | 1,750 lbs (794 kg) |
| Useful Load | 900 lbs (408 kg) | 650 lbs (295 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 56.0 gal (212 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 11.5 GPH (44 L/h) | 7.0 GPH (26 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 PA-12 Super Cruiser
Fuel$38/hr
Which Should You Buy: Cirrus SR20 or Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser?
Pick the SR20 if…
- More seats — 4 vs 3.
- Faster cruise — 155 kts vs 90 kts.
- Longer range — 875 nm vs 520 nm.
- More inventory — 167 listings vs 16.
Pick the PA-12 Super Cruiser if…
- Budget matters — from $56,750 vs $179,000, you save ~$122,250.
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 PA-12 Super Cruiser?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The SR20 cruises at 155 kts with 875 nm range.
The PA-12 Super Cruiser cruises at 90 kts with 520 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cirrus SR20: from $239,900.
Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser: from $89,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cirrus SR20 and Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser?
SR20 engine: Continental IO-360-ES (215 hp).
Seats: 4 vs 3.
Cruise: 155 vs 90 kts.
Range: 875 vs 520 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.
PA-12 Super Cruiser: 3 seats / 650 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 re-checked on a rolling cycle — most within a few days · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data