Diamond DA40 vs Cirrus SR20

The Cirrus SR20 and Diamond DA40 are direct modern composite four-seat single competitors — the SR20 has CAPS parachute and Cirrus's market-leading dealer network; the DA40 has the lowest operating cost in class, factory Garmin G1000 NXi and the youngest active fleet.

Live Market Snapshot

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

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
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.

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)Diamond DA40Cirrus SR20
All events1037
Serious01
Fatal316
Fatalities534
% Fatal30%43%
View full Diamond DA40 NTSB record →View full Cirrus SR20 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Diamond DA40 Cirrus SR20
Diamond DA40
View 81 listings →
Median $424,858
 Cirrus SR20
View 164 listings →
Median $424,900
Price Range $184,562 – $670,700 $179,000 – $739,000
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 4 4
Horsepower 180 HP 215 HP
Cruise Speed 135 kts (250 km/h) 155 kts (287 km/h)
Range 635 nm (1,176 km) 875 nm (1,620 km)
Service Ceiling 16,400 ft (4,999 m) 17,500 ft (5,334 m)
Max Gross Weight 2,535 lbs (1,150 kg) 3,150 lbs (1,429 kg)
Useful Load 780 lbs (354 kg) 900 lbs (408 kg)
Fuel Capacity 40.0 gal (151 L) 56.0 gal (212 L)
Fuel Burn 9.5 GPH (36 L/h) 11.5 GPH (44 L/h)
TBO 2,000 hrs 1,500 hrs
Overhaul Cost $25,000 $32,000
Annual Fixed $16,000 $22,000
Hourly Variable $120 $150
Engines 1 x Piston 1 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Diamond DA40

Fuel$52/hr
Variable$120/hr
Annual Fixed$16,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $40,000/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: Diamond DA40 or Cirrus SR20?

Bottom line: Choose the SR20 for the CAPS whole-airframe parachute and the largest active four- seat composite-single dealer/service network. Choose the DA40 for class-leading low operating cost, benign Diamond handling and the youngest used fleet — when the CAPS parachute isn't a priority.

Pick the DA40 if…

  • Lower operating cost — ~$120/hr vs $150/hr.
  • Newer design — production from 2000 vs 1999.

Pick the SR20 if…

  • Budget matters — from $179,000 vs $184,562, you save ~$5,562.
  • Faster cruise — 155 kts vs 135 kts.
  • Longer range — 875 nm vs 635 nm.
  • More inventory — 164 listings vs 81.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Diamond DA40 or Cirrus SR20?
It depends on your mission and budget. The DA40 cruises at 135 kts with 635 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?
Diamond DA40: from $580,000. Cirrus SR20: from $499,900. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Diamond DA40 and Cirrus SR20?
SR20 engine: Continental IO-360-ES (215 hp). Cruise: 135 vs 155 kts. Range: 635 vs 875 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
DA40: about $120/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?
DA40: 4 seats / 780 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?
DA40: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$25,000. 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