Cirrus SR20 vs Piper Cherokee

The Cirrus SR20 (modern composite, ~155 kt, Garmin Perspective+, CAPS) and Piper Cherokee PA-28 series (~115-130 kt depending on variant, aluminium fixed-gear) are different generations of four-seat fixed-gear singles — the SR20 is the modern composite; the Cherokee is the classic training/touring workhorse.

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
Piper Cherokee
For sale now
602
Median asking
$116,400
Range
$59,948–$277,250
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
164
Source marketplaces
23
Model years available
1961–2026

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 SR20Piper Cherokee
All events371
Serious10
Fatal160
Fatalities340
% Fatal43%0%
View full Cirrus SR20 NTSB record →View full Piper Cherokee NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Cirrus SR20 Piper Cherokee
Cirrus SR20
View 164 listings →
Median $424,900
 Piper Cherokee
View 630 listings →
Median $116,400
Price Range $179,000 – $739,000 $59,948 – $277,250
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 4 4
Horsepower 215 HP 150 HP
Cruise Speed 155 kts (287 km/h) 117 kts (217 km/h)
Range 875 nm (1,620 km) 525 nm (972 km)
Service Ceiling 17,500 ft (5,334 m) 14,300 ft (4,359 m)
Max Gross Weight 3,150 lbs (1,429 kg) 2,150 lbs (975 kg)
Useful Load 900 lbs (408 kg) 850 lbs (386 kg)
Fuel Capacity 56.0 gal (212 L) 50.0 gal (189 L)
Fuel Burn 11.5 GPH (44 L/h) 8.0 GPH (30 L/h)
TBO 1,500 hrs 2,000 hrs
Overhaul Cost $32,000 $28,000
Annual Fixed $22,000 $16,000
Hourly Variable $150 $120
Engines 1 x Piston 1 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Cirrus SR20

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

Piper Cherokee

Fuel$44/hr
Variable$120/hr
Annual Fixed$16,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $40,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Cirrus SR20 or Piper Cherokee?

Bottom line: Choose the SR20 for modern Garmin glass, CAPS parachute and ~25-40 kt more cruise. Choose the Cherokee for the lowest acquisition cost, the most forgiving handling and the broadest support network — when modern features aren't worth the price premium. ================================================================ # SR22 × OTHERS (12) ================================================================

Pick the SR20 if…

  • Faster cruise — 155 kts vs 117 kts.
  • Longer range — 875 nm vs 525 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 1999 vs 1961.

Pick the Cherokee if…

  • Budget matters — from $59,948 vs $179,000, you save ~$119,052.
  • Lower operating cost — ~$120/hr vs $150/hr.
  • More inventory — 630 listings vs 164.

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 Cherokee?
It depends on your mission and budget. The SR20 cruises at 155 kts with 875 nm range. The Cherokee cruises at 117 kts with 525 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cirrus SR20: from $499,900. Piper Cherokee: from $58,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cirrus SR20 and Piper Cherokee?
SR20 engine: Continental IO-360-ES (215 hp). Cruise: 155 vs 117 kts. Range: 875 vs 525 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
SR20: about $150/hr variable cost. Cherokee: about $120/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. Cherokee: 4 seats / 850 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. Cherokee: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$28,000. 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