Cessna 172 vs Diamond DA42
The Cessna 172 (single-engine trainer, ~115 kt) / 182 (single-engine hauler, ~140 kt) and Diamond DA42 Twin Star (four-seat composite twin Austro AE300 diesels, ~170 kt) are different propulsion classes — single vs twin.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle
Cessna 172
- For sale now
- 421
- Median asking
- $134,231
- Range
- $61,563–$324,965
- Model years available
- 1956–2026
Diamond DA42
- For sale now
- 46
- Median asking
- $699,900
- Range
- $520,774–$1,100,160
- Model years available
- 2005–2026
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
Generations Breakdown
Per-generation specs — engine/weight/performance differ materially across production eras.
Per-era “For sale” counts exclude listings with unspecified year and separate variants (RG retractable, Hawk XP), so they may not sum to the total above.
Cessna 172 — 3 generations
| Generation | Years | Engine | MTOW | Cruise | Range | For sale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 172 Continental | 1956–1967 | O-300 | 2300 | 118 | 520 | 139 |
| 172 O-320 150hp | 1968–1976 | O-320-E2D | 2300 | 120 | 585 | 132 |
| 172 O-320 160hp | 1977–1986 | O-320-H2AD/D2J | 2400 | 122 | 585 | 104 |
Diamond DA42 — 0 generations
| Generation | Years | Engine | MTOW | Cruise | Range | For sale |
|---|
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) | Cessna 172 | Diamond DA42 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 6810 | 7 |
| Serious | 542 | 1 |
| Fatal | 960 | 0 |
| Fatalities | 1802 | 0 |
| % Fatal | 14% | 0% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna 172 | Diamond DA42 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $61,563 – $324,965 | $520,774 – $1,100,160 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Multi Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 145–160 HP | 168 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 118–122 kts (226 km/h) | 170 kts (315 km/h) |
| Range | 520–585 nm (1,083 km) | 1,050 nm (1,945 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) | 18,000 ft (5,486 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2300–2,400 lbs (1,089 kg) | 3,935 lbs (1,785 kg) |
| Useful Load | 878 lbs (398 kg) | 940 lbs (426 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 56.0 gal (212 L) | 50.0 gal (189 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 8.6 GPH (33 L/h) | 12.0 GPH (45 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,400 hrs | 1,800 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $30,000 | $28,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $18,000 | $20,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $130 | $150 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 2 x Diesel |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 172
Fuel$47/hr
Variable$130/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$44,000/yr
Diamond DA42
Fuel$66/hr
Variable$150/hr
Annual Fixed$20,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$50,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 172 or Diamond DA42?
Bottom line: Choose the 172/182 for single-engine economics and the largest support network. Choose the DA42 when you need twin-engine redundancy and modern composite construction with Jet-A diesel economics — particularly for IFR training and complex/multi-engine rating.
Pick the 172 if…
- Budget matters — from $61,563 vs $520,774, you save ~$459,211.
- Lower operating cost — ~$130/hr vs $150/hr.
- More inventory — 164 listings vs 47.
Pick the DA42 if…
- Faster cruise — 170 kts vs 118 kts.
- Longer range — 1050 nm vs 518 nm.
- Newer design — production from 2004 vs 1956.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the key difference between the Cessna 172 and Diamond DA42?
Single versus twin engine and era. The Cessna 172 is a four-seat fixed-gear single with a Lycoming O-320 (160 hp) — the world's most widely produced aircraft. The Diamond DA42 Twin Star is a modern four-seat composite twin with two Austro AE300 diesel engines (~170 hp each), approximately 175 kt cruise, and Garmin G1000 avionics. The DA42 is faster, has twin-engine redundancy, burns Jet-A, and costs significantly more.
172 or DA42 — which four-seater?
Buy the 172 if affordability, simplicity, and the largest global support infrastructure in aviation are the priorities — it is the correct starting aircraft for most pilots and the default recommendation for private owners on a budget. Buy the DA42 if twin-engine certification, diesel fuel flexibility, modern composite construction, and 175 kt cruise justify the significantly higher acquisition and operating cost.
Does the DA42's twin engine justify the step up from a 172?
For training operations where a twin-engine IFR rating is the goal, yes. For personal ownership, only when twin-engine certification is a genuine mission requirement or Jet-A availability is a significant operational constraint. For casual four-seat personal flying, the 172 covers the same mission at a fraction of the DA42's cost.
How do specs compare?
Cessna 172N: Lycoming O-320 (~160 hp), four seats, single engine, gasoline, fixed gear, ~110–120 kt. DA42: Austro AE300 diesel (~170 hp each), four seats, twin engine, Jet-A, retractable gear, ~175 kt.
Which is cheaper to operate?
The 172 has dramatically lower operating cost — a 160 hp single versus a twin diesel, lower acquisition cost, and the world's most competitive parts and maintenance market. The DA42's diesel advantage in Jet-A markets partially offsets its higher acquisition cost. For typical personal flying, the 172 wins on economics.
Which should I buy?
172 for personal flying — training, touring, and four-seat ownership at the lowest practical cost. DA42 for twin-engine IFR training or for pilots who need twin-engine certification and want modern avionics and diesel efficiency. Most personal aircraft buyers have no practical need for the DA42's twin-engine capability.
Which is better, Cessna 172 or Diamond DA42?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 172 cruises at 118 kts with 518 nm range.
The DA42 cruises at 170 kts with 1,050 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 172: from $119,900.
Diamond DA42: from $601,394.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 172 and Diamond DA42?
172 engine: LYCOMING (180 hp).
Cruise: 118 vs 170 kts.
Range: 518 vs 1050 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
172: about $130/hr variable cost.
DA42: 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?
172: 4 seats / 878 lb useful load.
DA42: 4 seats / 940 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?
172: 1,400-hour TBO, overhaul ~$30,000.
DA42: 1,800-hour TBO, overhaul ~$28,000.
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 re-checked on a rolling cycle — most within a few days · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data