Piper Warrior vs Cirrus SR20
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Piper Warrior
- For sale now
- 72
- Median asking
- $89,250
- Range
- $69,514–$170,850
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 14
- Source marketplaces
- 13
- Model years available
- 1973–2005
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 Warrior | Cirrus SR20 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | — | 37 |
| Serious | — | 1 |
| Fatal | — | 16 |
| Fatalities | — | 34 |
| % Fatal | — | 43% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Piper Warrior | Cirrus SR20 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $69,514 – $170,850 | $179,000 – $739,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | — | 4 |
| Horsepower | — | 215 HP |
| Cruise Speed | — | 155 kts (287 km/h) |
| Range | 640 nm (1,185 km) | 875 nm (1,620 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 17,500 ft (5,334 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,440 lbs (1,107 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 Warrior
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 Warrior or Cirrus SR20?
Pick the Warrior if…
- Budget matters — from $69,514 vs $179,000, you save ~$109,486.
Pick the SR20 if…
- Longer range — 875 nm vs 640 nm.
- More inventory — 164 listings vs 72.
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 Warrior or Cirrus SR20?
It depends on your mission and budget.
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 Warrior: from $78,000.
Cirrus SR20: from $499,900.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Piper Warrior and Cirrus SR20?
SR20 engine: Continental IO-360-ES (215 hp).
Range: 640 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