Cessna 182 vs Diamond DA42
The Diamond DA42 and Cessna 182 Skylane offer two distinct paths to capable travel. The DA42 is a modern composite diesel twin with engine-out redundancy and glass avionics, while the high-wing 182 is a simple, durable four-seat piston single. This is twin-engine modern efficiency against proven single-engine value.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna 182 | Diamond DA42 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $14,500 – $875,000 | $489,134 – $1,162,757 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Multi Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 230 HP | — |
| Cruise Speed | 140 kts (259 km/h) | 170 kts (315 km/h) |
| Range | 915 nm (1,695 km) | 1,050 nm (1,945 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 18,100 ft (5,517 m) | 18,000 ft (5,486 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,100 lbs (1,406 kg) | 3,935 lbs (1,785 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,110 lbs (503 kg) | 940 lbs (426 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 92.0 gal (348 L) | 50.0 gal (189 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 12.5 GPH (47 L/h) | 12.0 GPH (45 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 1,800 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $32,000 | $28,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $20,000 | $20,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $160 | $150 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 2 x Diesel |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 182
Fuel$69/hr
Variable$160/hr
Annual Fixed$20,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$52,000/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 182 or Diamond DA42?
Bottom line: Choose the DA42 for twin redundancy, jet-A efficiency, and modern avionics; pick the 182 for lower acquisition and operating costs, single-engine simplicity, and broad support. Budget, redundancy needs, and condition typically decide it.
Pick the 182 if…
- Budget matters — from $14,500 vs $489,134, you save ~$474,634.
- More inventory — 499 listings vs 48.
Pick the DA42 if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$150/hr vs $160/hr.
- Faster cruise — 170 kts vs 140 kts.
- Longer range — 1050 nm vs 915 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 182 or Diamond DA42?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 182 cruises at 140 kts with 915 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?
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 182 and Diamond DA42?
182 engine: Continental O-470-L (230 hp).
Cruise: 140 vs 170 kts.
Range: 915 vs 1050 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
182: about $160/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?
182: 4 seats / 1,110 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?
182: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$32,000.
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