The decision in one question

Is universal supportability and low running cost worth more than modern avionics and a whole-airframe parachute?

The table below uses the same versioned PlaneFit dataset as the Finder. Prices and operating costs are planning estimates, not quotations.

Decision factorCessna 172S Skyhawk SPView aircraft profileCirrus SR20 G7+View aircraft profileCirrus SR20 G6View aircraft profile
Typical market year201920262020
Estimated purchase€497k€600k€500k
Annual cash cost at 80 h€32k€50k€49k
Five-year cash outlay€655k€852k€745k
Cruise speed124 kt155 kt155 kt
Advertised range640 nm709 nm785 nm
Seats455
Realistic payload301 kg342 kg373 kg
Runway need497 m514 m550 m
Data confidenceNormalized for direct comparisonNormalized for direct comparisonNormalized for direct comparison
Main trade-offExceptionally easy to support and resell, but four adults with bags and meaningful fuel are usually unrealistic.Modern, safe and easy to operate, but cabin payload falls quickly with five occupants and ownership costs exceed conventional trainers.Modern avionics, cabin and safety systems are strong, but training utilization and CAPS or engine status still drive price.

Where each aircraft wins

A factual first pass. Mission, condition and configuration can outweigh a brochure advantage.

Lower indicative purchase priceCessna 172S Skyhawk SP
Lower estimated annual costCessna 172S Skyhawk SP
Faster cruiseCirrus SR20 G7+
Longer advertised rangeCirrus SR20 G7+
More realistic payloadCirrus SR20 G7+
Shorter take-off requirementCessna 172S Skyhawk SP

Choose Cessna 172S Skyhawk SP when...

Four-seat training and personal touring aircraft. Its central ownership trade-off is: Exceptionally easy to support and resell, but four adults with bags and meaningful fuel are usually unrealistic.

Planning snapshot: €497k indicative price and €32k annual cash cost at 80 hours.

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Choose Cirrus SR20 G7+ when...

Five-seat modern trainer and personal touring aircraft. Its central ownership trade-off is: Modern, safe and easy to operate, but cabin payload falls quickly with five occupants and ownership costs exceed conventional trainers.

Planning snapshot: €600k indicative price and €50k annual cash cost at 80 hours.

Read the full aircraft profile →
Your mission, not a generic winner

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