Cirrus SR20 vs Diamond DA40 vs Piper Archer
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
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
Diamond DA40
- For sale now
- 85
- Median asking
- $424,858
- Range
- $184,562–$670,700
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 39
- Source marketplaces
- 10
- Model years available
- 2000–2026
Piper Archer
- For sale now
- 89
- Median asking
- $149,000
- Range
- $71,000–$491,439
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 26
- Source marketplaces
- 13
- Model years available
- 1965–2026
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
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 | Diamond DA40 | Piper Archer |
|---|---|---|---|
| All events | 37 | 10 | — |
| Serious | 1 | 0 | — |
| Fatal | 16 | 3 | — |
| Fatalities | 34 | 5 | — |
| % Fatal | 43% | 30% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cirrus SR20 | Diamond DA40 | Piper Archer |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $179,000 – $739,000 | $184,562 – $670,700 | $71,000 – $491,439 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | |||
| Seats | 4 | 4 | — |
| Horsepower | 215 HP | 180 HP | — |
| Cruise Speed | 155 kts (287 km/h) | 135 kts (250 km/h) | 124 kts (230 km/h) |
| Range | 875 nm (1,620 km) | 635 nm (1,176 km) | 703 nm (1,302 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 17,500 ft (5,334 m) | 16,400 ft (4,999 m) | — |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,150 lbs (1,429 kg) | 2,535 lbs (1,150 kg) | 2,550 lbs (1,157 kg) |
| Useful Load | 900 lbs (408 kg) | 780 lbs (354 kg) | — |
| Fuel Capacity | 56.0 gal (212 L) | 40.0 gal (151 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 11.5 GPH (44 L/h) | 9.5 GPH (36 L/h) | — |
| TBO | 1,500 hrs | 2,000 hrs | — |
| Overhaul Cost | $32,000 | $25,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $22,000 | $16,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $150 | $120 | — |
| 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
Diamond DA40
Fuel$52/hr
Variable$120/hr
Annual Fixed$16,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$40,000/yr
Piper Archer
Which Should You Buy?
Pick the SR20 if…
- Fastest cruise — 155 kts
- Longest range — 875 nm
- Most listings for sale — 164
Pick the DA40 if…
- Lowest operating cost — about $120/hr
- Newest design — built from 2000
Pick the Archer if…
- Lowest entry price — from $71,000
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, Diamond DA40 or Piper Archer?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The SR20 cruises at 155 kts with 875 nm range.
The DA40 cruises at 135 kts with 635 nm range.
The Archer cruises at 124 kts with 703 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cirrus SR20: from $499,900.
Diamond DA40: from $580,000.
Piper Archer: from $110,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
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