Cessna 172 vs Piper Cherokee vs Diamond DA40
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna 172 | Piper Cherokee | Diamond DA40 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $27,900 – $589,500 | $9,800 – $699,000 | $149,900 – $733,889 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | |||
| Seats | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 180 HP | 150 HP | 180 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 122 kts (226 km/h) | 117 kts (217 km/h) | 135 kts (250 km/h) |
| Range | 640 nm (1,185 km) | 525 nm (972 km) | 635 nm (1,176 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) | 14,300 ft (4,359 m) | 16,400 ft (4,999 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,550 lbs (1,157 kg) | 2,150 lbs (975 kg) | 2,535 lbs (1,150 kg) |
| Useful Load | 878 lbs (398 kg) | 850 lbs (386 kg) | 780 lbs (354 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 56.0 gal (212 L) | 50.0 gal (189 L) | 40.0 gal (151 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 8.6 GPH (33 L/h) | 8.0 GPH (30 L/h) | 9.5 GPH (36 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $30,000 | $28,000 | $25,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $18,000 | $16,000 | $16,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $130 | $120 | $120 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 172
Fuel$47/hr
Variable$130/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$44,000/yr
Piper Cherokee
Fuel$44/hr
Variable$120/hr
Annual Fixed$16,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$40,000/yr
Diamond DA40
Fuel$52/hr
Variable$120/hr
Annual Fixed$16,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$40,000/yr
Which Should You Buy?
Pick the 172 if…
- Longest range — 640 nm
Pick the Cherokee if…
- Lowest entry price — from $9,800
- Most listings for sale — 631
Pick the DA40 if…
- Fastest cruise — 135 kts
- Newest design — built from 2000
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, Piper Cherokee or Diamond DA40?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 172 cruises at 122 kts with 640 nm range.
The Cherokee cruises at 117 kts with 525 nm range.
The DA40 cruises at 135 kts with 635 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 172: from $179,000.
Piper Cherokee: from $115,000.
Diamond DA40: from $570,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
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