Piper Malibu vs Cirrus SR22
The Cirrus SR22 (four-seat composite, ~180-185 kt, unpressurised) and Piper Malibu PA-46 (six-seat pressurised, ~213-240 kt depending on variant — Mirage piston, M350 turbocharged, M500/M600 turboprop) are different-class aircraft.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
- For sale now
- 281
- Median asking
- $950,000
- Range
- $417,000–$3,032,000
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 103
- Source marketplaces
- 18
- Model years available
- 1984–2026
- 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) | Piper Malibu | Cirrus SR22 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | — | 124 |
| Serious | — | 8 |
| Fatal | — | 38 |
| Fatalities | — | 74 |
| % Fatal | — | 31% |
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Piper Malibu | Cirrus SR22 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $417,000 – $3,032,000 | $233,400 – $867,970 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 5 |
| Horsepower | 310 HP | 310 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 198 kts (367 km/h) | 183 kts (339 km/h) |
| Range | 1,300 nm (2,408 km) | 1,049 nm (1,943 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 25,000 ft (7,620 m) | 17,500 ft (5,334 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 4,100 lbs (1,860 kg) | 3,600 lbs (1,633 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,200 lbs (544 kg) | 1,183 lbs (537 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 120.0 gal (454 L) | 92.0 gal (348 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 16.0 GPH (61 L/h) | 13.5 GPH (51 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $35,000 | $36,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $22,000 | $25,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $190 | $180 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston (Turbocharged) | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimatePiper Malibu
Cirrus SR22
Which Should You Buy: Piper Malibu or Cirrus SR22?
Bottom line: Choose the Malibu/M-series when you need pressurisation, six seats and the longer- range cross-country mission — significantly more capable. Choose the SR22 for four-seat operations at materially lower acquisition and operating cost, with CAPS parachute and the largest dealer network.
Pick the Malibu if…
- More seats — 6 vs 5.
- Faster cruise — 198 kts vs 183 kts.
- Longer range — 1300 nm vs 1049 nm.
- More inventory — 271 listings vs 251.
Pick the SR22 if…
- Budget matters — from $233,400 vs $417,000, you save ~$183,600.
- Lower operating cost — ~$180/hr vs $190/hr.
- Newer design — production from 2001 vs 1984.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.