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.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna 172 | Diamond DA42 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $10,000 – $589,500 | $488,877 – $1,162,757 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Multi Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 180 HP | — |
| Cruise Speed | 122 kts (226 km/h) | 170 kts (315 km/h) |
| Range | 640 nm (1,185 km) | 1,050 nm (1,945 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) | 18,000 ft (5,486 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,550 lbs (1,157 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 | 2,000 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 $10,000 vs $488,877, you save ~$478,877.
- Lower operating cost — ~$130/hr vs $150/hr.
- More inventory — 404 listings vs 45.
Pick the DA42 if…
- Faster cruise — 170 kts vs 122 kts.
- Longer range — 1050 nm vs 640 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
Which is better, Cessna 172 or Diamond DA42?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 172 cruises at 122 kts with 640 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 $179,000.
Diamond DA42: from $607,672.
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: Continental O-300 (180 hp).
Cruise: 122 vs 170 kts.
Range: 640 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: 2,000-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 updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data