Cirrus SR22 / SR22T vs Mooney M20R Ovation (1994-2008)
Head-to-head — specs, at a glance.
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Cirrus SR22 / SR22T
The Cirrus SR22 is the best-selling GA aircraft in the world — a distinction it has held for over 20 consecutive years. Introduced in 2001 as a more powerful version of the SR20, the SR22 pairs a Continental IO-550-N (310HP) with the composite airframe, CAPS parachute, and Garmin glass cockpit to create the definitive modern piston single.
- +World's best-selling GA aircraft with 8,000+ built and proven track record
- +CAPS parachute safety system (250+ lives saved); deployment available through most flight regimes
- +Exceptional speed and range for piston single (SR22T: 213 KTAS, 1,046 nm)
- !CAPS repack mandatory every 10 years at $18,000–$20,000; budget $2,000/year reserves
- !Composite airframe requires certified technicians; impact damage expensive ($5,000–$15,000+ per incident)
- !Turbo models demand careful temperature management; expensive engine overhauls ($42,000–$48,000)
Mooney M20R Ovation (1994-2008)
The 1994 Mooney M20R Ovation was a **major step up in performance for the M20 line** -- the first Mooney with a 6-cylinder Continental IO-550-G engine producing 280 HP, replacing the M20J's 200 HP Lycoming IO-360. The Ovation airframe added a stretched cabin, taller cabin door, and refined fuselage aerodynamics on top of the M20J's redesigned long-body layout.
- +1,300 NM range — longest non-turbo Mooney
- +190 KTAS cruise at 75% power — 20 KTAS faster than M20J
- +1,243 lbs useful load — strong payload for class
- !IO-550-G cylinder sensitivity — requires borescope inspection on all six
- !Complex cabin door seal design — water intrusion risk if deteriorated
- !Limited dealer support — Mooney's production history affects regional availability
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