Diamond DA40 vs Cirrus SR22

The Cirrus SR22 (~180-185 kt, 310 hp) and Diamond DA40 (~150 kt, 180 hp) are different power-class four-seat composites — the SR22 is high-performance; the DA40 is the efficient economical composite.

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 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)Diamond DA40Cirrus SR22
All events10124
Serious08
Fatal338
Fatalities574
% Fatal30%31%

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Diamond DA40 Cirrus SR22
Diamond DA40
View 81 listings →
Median $424,858
Cirrus SR22
View 251 listings →
Median $369,473
Price Range $184,562 – $670,700 $233,400 – $867,970
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 4 5
Horsepower 180 HP 310 HP
Cruise Speed 135 kts (250 km/h) 183 kts (339 km/h)
Range 635 nm (1,176 km) 1,049 nm (1,943 km)
Service Ceiling 16,400 ft (4,999 m) 17,500 ft (5,334 m)
Max Gross Weight 2,535 lbs (1,150 kg) 3,600 lbs (1,633 kg)
Useful Load 780 lbs (354 kg) 1,183 lbs (537 kg)
Fuel Capacity 40.0 gal (151 L) 92.0 gal (348 L)
Fuel Burn 9.5 GPH (36 L/h) 13.5 GPH (51 L/h)
TBO 2,000 hrs 2,000 hrs
Overhaul Cost $25,000 $36,000
Annual Fixed $16,000 $25,000
Hourly Variable $120 $180
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 SR22

Fuel$74/hr
Variable$180/hr
Annual Fixed$25,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $61,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Diamond DA40 or Cirrus SR22?

Bottom line: Choose the SR22 for higher cruise, more useful load, CAPS parachute and the larger support network. Choose the DA40 for materially lower acquisition and operating cost, the youngest active fleet and benign Diamond handling.

Pick the DA40 if…

  • Budget matters — from $184,562 vs $233,400, you save ~$48,838.
  • Lower operating cost — ~$120/hr vs $180/hr.

Pick the SR22 if…

  • More seats — 5 vs 4.
  • Faster cruise — 183 kts vs 135 kts.
  • Longer range — 1049 nm vs 635 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 2001 vs 2000.
  • More inventory — 251 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 SR22?
It depends on your mission and budget. The DA40 cruises at 135 kts with 635 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?
Diamond DA40: from $580,000. Cirrus SR22: from $649,900. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Diamond DA40 and Cirrus SR22?
SR22 engine: Continental IO-550-N (310 hp). Seats: 4 vs 5. Cruise: 135 vs 183 kts. Range: 635 vs 1049 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
DA40: about $120/hr variable cost. 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?
DA40: 4 seats / 780 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?
DA40: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$25,000. 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