Cessna 172L vs Diamond DA40
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle
Cessna 172L
- For sale now
- 11
- Median asking
- $112,475
- Range
- $83,229–$168,650
- Model years available
- 1970–1973
Diamond DA40
- For sale now
- 85
- Median asking
- $424,858
- Range
- $184,562–$670,700
- Model years available
- 2000–2026
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
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 172L | Diamond DA40 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 162 | 10 |
| Serious | 13 | 0 |
| Fatal | 26 | 3 |
| Fatalities | 45 | 5 |
| % Fatal | 16% | 30% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna 172L | Diamond DA40 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $83,229 – $168,650 | $184,562 – $670,700 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 150 HP | 180 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 122 kts (226 km/h) | 135 kts (250 km/h) |
| Range | 640 nm (1,185 km) | 635 nm (1,176 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 13,000 ft (3,962 m) | 16,400 ft (4,999 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,300 lbs (1,043 kg) | 2,535 lbs (1,150 kg) |
| Useful Load | 878 lbs (398 kg) | 780 lbs (354 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 43.0 gal (163 L) | 40.0 gal (151 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 8.5 GPH (32 L/h) | 9.5 GPH (36 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $30,000 | $25,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $18,000 | $16,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $130 | $120 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 172L
Fuel$47/hr
Variable$130/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$44,000/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: Cessna 172L or Diamond DA40?
Pick the 172L if…
- Budget matters — from $83,229 vs $184,562, you save ~$101,333.
- Longer range — 640 nm vs 635 nm.
Pick the DA40 if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$120/hr vs $130/hr.
- Faster cruise — 135 kts vs 122 kts.
- Newer design — production from 2000 vs 1971.
- More inventory — 89 listings vs 11.
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 172L or Diamond DA40?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 172L cruises at 122 kts with 640 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 172L: from $150,000.
Diamond DA40: from $382,026.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 172L and Diamond DA40?
172L engine: LYCOMING O-320-E2D (150 hp).
Cruise: 122 vs 135 kts.
Range: 640 vs 635 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
172L: about $130/hr variable cost.
DA40: about $120/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?
172L: 4 seats / 878 lb useful load.
DA40: 4 seats / 780 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?
172L: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$30,000.
DA40: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$25,000.
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