Cirrus SR20 vs Piper Arrow
The Cirrus SR20 (modern composite, ~155 kt, fixed-gear with CAPS) and Piper Arrow (aluminium retractable, ~135-140 kt, no chute) are very different aircraft — the SR20 is the modern safety-system airplane; the Arrow is the classic complex-rating retractable trainer.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
- 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
- For sale now
- 196
- Median asking
- $134,945
- Range
- $79,053–$243,250
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 71
- Source marketplaces
- 15
- Model years available
- 1967–2015
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 Arrow |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 37 | — |
| Serious | 1 | — |
| Fatal | 16 | — |
| Fatalities | 34 | — |
| % Fatal | 43% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Cirrus SR20 | Piper Arrow |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $179,000 – $739,000 | $79,053 – $243,250 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 215 HP | 200 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 155 kts (287 km/h) | 135 kts (250 km/h) |
| Range | 875 nm (1,620 km) | 720 nm (1,333 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 17,500 ft (5,334 m) | 15,400 ft (4,694 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,150 lbs (1,429 kg) | 2,750 lbs (1,247 kg) |
| Useful Load | 900 lbs (408 kg) | 940 lbs (426 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 56.0 gal (212 L) | 72.0 gal (273 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 11.5 GPH (44 L/h) | 10.5 GPH (40 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,500 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $32,000 | $30,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $22,000 | $18,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $150 | $145 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCirrus SR20
Piper Arrow
Which Should You Buy: Cirrus SR20 or Piper Arrow?
Bottom line: Choose the SR20 for modern Garmin glass, CAPS parachute and ~15-20 kt more cruise. Choose the Arrow for the lowest-cost four-seat retractable and complex-rating training utility — accepting older systems and retractable-gear maintenance.
Pick the SR20 if…
- Faster cruise — 155 kts vs 135 kts.
- Longer range — 875 nm vs 720 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1999 vs 1967.
Pick the Arrow if…
- Budget matters — from $79,053 vs $179,000, you save ~$99,947.
- Lower operating cost — ~$145/hr vs $150/hr.
- More inventory — 194 listings vs 162.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.