Cessna 182 Skylane vs Cirrus Sr22 G6 vs Diamond Aircraft Da40 Xlt
The Cessna Skylane (typically the 182 series) is a classic high‑wing, fixed‑gear piston single valued for utility and load‑carrying. It usually seats four, with strong real‑world flexibility for passengers plus baggage, and offers solid cross‑country capability with range commonly in the roughly 900–1,100 nautical mile class depending on model, fuel, and power setting. The Cirrus SR22 G6 is a modern, high‑performance composite piston single emphasizing speed, avionics, and the signature whole‑aircraft parachute system. It is also generally a four‑seater, but tends to prioritize performance and comfort over bulky hauling. Typical range is about 1,000–1,200 nautical miles, again depending on configuration and reserves, and it’s often the quickest of the three. The Diamond DA40 XLT is a lighter, efficient composite piston single often associated with training and economical touring. It seats four, but with more limited useful load compared with the Skylane. Its range is commonly around 700–900 nautical miles, with efficiency and handling as key strengths rather than maximum speed or payload.
| Spec | Cessna Skylane | Diamond Aircraft DA40 XLT |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| DOC / nm | $ 1.01 | $ 0.88 |
| Total Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Cessna | Diamond Aircraft |
| Aircraft Name | 182 Skylane | DA40 XLT |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 915 | 790 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.25 | $ 0.22 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 146 | $ 125 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G1000 NXi | Garmin G1000 NXi |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 145 | 142 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $530,000 | $485,000 |
| Useful Load (lbs) | — | 900 |
| Cabin | ||
| Total Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | No | No |
| Model | IO-540-AB1A5 | IO-360 M1A |
| Fuel Type | AvGas | AvGas |
| TBO (hrs) | 2000 | 2000 |
| TBO (yrs) | 12 | 12 |
| Horsepower | 245 | 180 |
| Fuel Delivery | Fuel Injected | Fuel Injected |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 87 | 50 |
| Usable Fuel (gal) | — | 48 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 29 | 26.5 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 36 | 38.2 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 3.5 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.1 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 11.2 | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 9.4 | 6.5 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 32 | — |