Cessna 205 vs Cirrus SR22
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Cessna 205
- For sale now
- 6
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 1
- Source marketplaces
- 3
- Model years available
- 1962–1963
Cirrus SR22
- For sale now
- 255
- Median asking
- $369,473
- Range
- $233,400–$867,970
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 149
- Source marketplaces
- 16
- Model years available
- 2001–2025
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) | Cessna 205 | Cirrus SR22 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 44 | 124 |
| Serious | 3 | 8 |
| Fatal | 12 | 38 |
| Fatalities | 44 | 74 |
| % Fatal | 27% | 31% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna 205 | Cirrus SR22 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $145,750 – $234,900 | $233,400 – $867,970 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 5 |
| Horsepower | 260 HP | 310 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 140 kts (259 km/h) | 183 kts (339 km/h) |
| Range | 700 nm (1,296 km) | 1,049 nm (1,943 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 17,500 ft (5,334 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,300 lbs (1,497 kg) | 3,600 lbs (1,633 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,400 lbs (635 kg) | 1,183 lbs (537 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 92.0 gal (348 L) |
| Fuel Burn | — | 13.5 GPH (51 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,500 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $36,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $25,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $180 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 205
Cirrus SR22
Fuel$74/hr
Variable$180/hr
Annual Fixed$25,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$61,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 205 or Cirrus SR22?
Pick the 205 if…
- Budget matters — from $145,750 vs $233,400, you save ~$87,650.
- More seats — 6 vs 5.
Pick the SR22 if…
- Faster cruise — 183 kts vs 140 kts.
- Longer range — 1049 nm vs 700 nm.
- Newer design — production from 2001 vs 1963.
- More inventory — 251 listings vs 6.
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 205 or Cirrus SR22?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 205 cruises at 140 kts with 700 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?
Cessna 205: from $189,900.
Cirrus SR22: from $649,900.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 205 and Cirrus SR22?
205 engine: Continental O-470-S (260 hp).
SR22 engine: Continental IO-550-N (310 hp).
Seats: 6 vs 5.
Cruise: 140 vs 183 kts.
Range: 700 vs 1049 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
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?
205: 6 seats / 1,400 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?
205: 1,500-hour TBO.
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