Cessna 172 vs Cirrus SR22
The Cessna 172 and the Cirrus SR22 sit at opposite ends of the single-engine spectrum, which is exactly why buyers compare them. The 172 is the most-produced, easiest-to-own trainer ever built — forgiving, cheap to run, and supported everywhere. The SR22 is a fast, 300-plus-horsepower composite cross-country machine with a glass panel and a whole-airframe parachute, at a much higher purchase and operating cost. One is the safe, low-drama first airplane; the other is a serious traveler you grow into.
Key specifications, side by side
| Cessna 172 | Cirrus SR22 | |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 4 | 4–5 |
| Engine | Lycoming IO-360 (172S) | Continental IO-550-N |
| Horsepower | 180 hp | 310 hp |
| Cruise speed | ~124 kt | ~183 kt |
| Range | ~640 nm | ~1,000 nm |
| Useful load | ~880 lb | ~1,300 lb |
| Fuel (usable) | 53 gal | 92 gal |
| Landing gear | Fixed tricycle | — |
| Safety | — | CAPS whole-airframe parachute |
Representative figures for a popular variant of each family — exact specs vary by model year, engine, and avionics configuration.
What's different about the Cessna 172
- The most-produced aircraft ever — unmatched parts, mechanic, and instructor support, and the easiest single to insure and resell.
- Forgiving, docile handling makes it the default primary trainer and a low-stress first aircraft to own.
- High-wing layout gives shade, easy passenger entry, and great downward visibility for sightseeing — but limits useful load with full fuel.
What's different about the Cirrus SR22
- The CAPS whole-airframe parachute is the headline safety feature and a major insurance and resale talking point.
- 310 hp and ~183 kt cruise make it one of the fastest fixed-gear pistons — a serious cross-country machine.
- Side-yoke, glass panel, and a premium cabin feel closer to a modern car than a legacy GA aircraft, at a premium price.
Cessna 172 vs Cirrus SR22 — frequently asked questions
Quick answers for buyers and prospective co-owners.
Is the Cirrus SR22 faster than the Cessna 172?
Yes, substantially. The SR22’s 310 hp gives roughly 183 kt cruise against about 124 kt for the 180 hp Cessna 172, so the SR22 covers ground far more quickly. The 172 trades that speed for simplicity and low operating cost.
Which is cheaper to own, a 172 or an SR22?
The 172, by a wide margin. It burns less fuel, has fixed gear and no parachute system, and its parts and maintenance are the most ubiquitous in aviation. The SR22 adds a bigger engine, glass-panel upkeep, and the periodic CAPS parachute repack — costs many owners share through co-ownership.
Which is the better first airplane?
For most new owners, the 172: it is forgiving, easy to insure, and inexpensive to run, which is why it is the default trainer. The SR22 is a high-performance cross-country machine better suited to a pilot ready to step up, ideally with type-specific transition training.