Cessna 182Q vs Cirrus SR20

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily

Cessna 182Q
For sale now
45
Median asking
$209,900
Range
$146,045–$538,550
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
17
Source marketplaces
7
Model years available
1977–1980
Cirrus SR20
For sale now
166
Median asking
$424,900
Range
$179,000–$739,000
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
113
Source marketplaces
16
Model years available
1999–2026

Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.

Generations Breakdown

Per-generation specs — engine/weight/performance differ materially across production eras.

Per-era “For sale” counts exclude listings with unspecified year and separate variants (RG retractable, Hawk XP), so they may not sum to the total above.

Cessna 182Q — 4 generations

GenerationYearsEngineMTOWCruiseRangeFor sale
182 Continental (early) 1956–1976 Continental O-470-L/R 2650 140 640 186
182 Continental (late) 1977–1986 Continental O-470-U 3100 142 700 74
T182 Turbo 1981–now Lycoming TIO-540-AK1A 3100 158 970 42
182 Lycoming 1997–now Lycoming IO-540-AB1A5 3100 145 930 134

Cirrus SR20 — 0 generations

GenerationYearsEngineMTOWCruiseRangeFor sale

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)Cessna 182QCirrus SR20
All events27037
Serious231
Fatal6416
Fatalities12134
% Fatal24%43%

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Cessna 182Q Cirrus SR20
Cessna 182Q
View 45 listings →
Median $209,900
Cirrus SR20
View 162 listings →
Median $424,900
Price Range $146,045 – $538,550 $179,000 – $739,000
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 4 4
Horsepower 230–235 HP 215 HP
Cruise Speed 140–158 kts (293 km/h) 155 kts (287 km/h)
Range 640–970 nm (1,796 km) 875 nm (1,620 km)
Service Ceiling 17,500 ft (5,334 m)
Max Gross Weight 2650–3,100 lbs (1,406 kg) 3,150 lbs (1,429 kg)
Useful Load 1,110 lbs (503 kg) 900 lbs (408 kg)
Fuel Capacity 56.0 gal (212 L)
Fuel Burn 12.0 GPH (45 L/h) 11.5 GPH (44 L/h)
TBO 2,000 hrs 1,500 hrs
Overhaul Cost $32,000 $32,000
Annual Fixed $20,000 $22,000
Hourly Variable $160 $150
Engines 1 x Reciprocating 1 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Cessna 182Q

Fuel$66/hr
Variable$160/hr
Annual Fixed$20,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $52,000/yr

Cirrus SR20

Fuel$63/hr
Variable$150/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $52,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Cessna 182Q or Cirrus SR20?

Pick the 182Q if…

  • Budget matters — from $146,045 vs $179,000, you save ~$32,955.
  • Longer range — 915 nm vs 875 nm.

Pick the SR20 if…

  • Lower operating cost — ~$150/hr vs $160/hr.
  • Faster cruise — 155 kts vs 140 kts.
  • Newer design — production from 1999 vs 1978.
  • More inventory — 162 listings vs 45.

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Cessna 182Q or Cirrus SR20?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 182Q cruises at 140 kts with 915 nm range. The SR20 cruises at 155 kts with 875 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 182Q: from $189,900. Cirrus SR20: from $467,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 182Q and Cirrus SR20?
SR20 engine: Continental IO-360-ES (215 hp). Cruise: 140 vs 155 kts. Range: 915 vs 875 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
182Q: about $160/hr variable cost. 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?
182Q: 4 seats / 1,110 lb useful load. SR20: 4 seats / 900 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?
182Q: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$32,000. 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