Piper Cadet vs Cirrus SR20
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Piper Cadet
- For sale now
- 3
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 1
- Source marketplaces
- 3
- Model years available
- 1989–1989
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) | Piper Cadet | Cirrus SR20 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | — | 37 |
| Serious | — | 1 |
| Fatal | — | 16 |
| Fatalities | — | 34 |
| % Fatal | — | 43% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Piper Cadet | Cirrus SR20 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $93,831 | $179,000 – $739,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | — | 4 |
| Horsepower | — | 215 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 115 kts (213 km/h) | 155 kts (287 km/h) |
| Range | 525 nm (972 km) | 875 nm (1,620 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 17,500 ft (5,334 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,325 lbs (1,055 kg) | 3,150 lbs (1,429 kg) |
| Useful Load | — | 900 lbs (408 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 56.0 gal (212 L) |
| Fuel Burn | — | 11.5 GPH (44 L/h) |
| TBO | — | 1,500 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $32,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $22,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $150 |
| Engines | — | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimatePiper Cadet
Cirrus SR20
Fuel$63/hr
Variable$150/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$52,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Piper Cadet or Cirrus SR20?
Pick the Cadet if…
- Budget matters — from $93,831 vs $179,000, you save ~$85,169.
Pick the SR20 if…
- Faster cruise — 155 kts vs 115 kts.
- Longer range — 875 nm vs 525 nm.
- More inventory — 162 listings vs 3.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Piper Cadet or Cirrus SR20?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Cadet cruises at 115 kts with 525 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?
Piper Cadet: from $93,831.
Cirrus SR20: from $467,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Piper Cadet and Cirrus SR20?
SR20 engine: Continental IO-360-ES (215 hp).
Cruise: 115 vs 155 kts.
Range: 525 vs 875 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
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?
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?
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