Cessna 172L vs Diamond DA40
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna 172L | Diamond DA40 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $79,900 – $179,000 | $149,900 – $733,889 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 180 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 | — | 16,400 ft (4,999 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 12,500 lbs (5,670 kg) | 2,535 lbs (1,150 kg) |
| Useful Load | 878 lbs (398 kg) | 780 lbs (354 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 40.0 gal (151 L) |
| Fuel Burn | — | 9.5 GPH (36 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $25,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $16,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $120 |
| Engines | 1 x Reciprocating | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 172L
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 $79,900 vs $149,900, you save ~$70,000.
- Longer range — 640 nm vs 635 nm.
Pick the DA40 if…
- Faster cruise — 135 kts vs 122 kts.
- Newer design — production from 2000 vs 1968.
- More inventory — 88 listings vs 10.
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 $179,000.
Diamond DA40: from $570,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 172L and Diamond DA40?
Cruise: 122 vs 135 kts.
Range: 640 vs 635 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
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.
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 updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data