Cessna 182 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.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Cessna 182
- For sale now
- 489
- Median asking
- $218,897
- Range
- $104,725–$564,768
- Model years available
- 1956–2026
Diamond DA42
- For sale now
- 46
- Median asking
- $699,900
- Range
- $520,774–$1,100,160
- Model years available
- 2005–2026
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
Generations Breakdown
Per-generation specs — engine/weight/performance differ materially across production eras.
Per-era “For sale” counts exclude listings with unspecified year and separate variants (RG retractable, Hawk XP), so they may not sum to the total above.
Cessna 182 — 4 generations
| Generation | Years | Engine | MTOW | Cruise | Range | For sale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 182 Continental (early) | 1956–1976 | O-470-L/R | 2650 | 140 | 640 | 216 |
| 182 Continental (late) | 1977–1986 | O-470-U | 3100 | 142 | 700 | 86 |
| T182 Turbo | 1981–1986 | TIO-540-AK1A | 3100 | 158 | 970 | 50 |
| 182 Lycoming | 1997–now | IO-540-AB1A5 | 3100 | 145 | 930 | 165 |
Diamond DA42 — 0 generations
| Generation | Years | Engine | MTOW | Cruise | Range | For sale |
|---|
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 182 | Diamond DA42 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 2779 | 7 |
| Serious | 249 | 1 |
| Fatal | 529 | 0 |
| Fatalities | 1000 | 0 |
| % Fatal | 19% | 0% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna 182 | Diamond DA42 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $104,725 – $564,768 | $520,774 – $1,100,160 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Multi Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 230–235 HP | 168 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 140–158 kts (293 km/h) | 170 kts (315 km/h) |
| Range | 640–970 nm (1,796 km) | 1,050 nm (1,945 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 18,100 ft (5,517 m) | 18,000 ft (5,486 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2650–3,100 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 | 1,700 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 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 182 if…
- Budget matters — from $104,725 vs $520,774, you save ~$416,049.
- More inventory — 106 listings vs 46.
Pick the DA42 if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$150/hr vs $160/hr.
- Faster cruise — 170 kts vs 140 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
What's the key difference between the Diamond DA42 and Cessna 182?
Single versus twin engine. The DA42 Twin Star is a composite four-seat twin with diesel engines and modern avionics; the Cessna 182 is a four-seat single with a gasoline engine. The DA42 provides twin-engine redundancy, burns Jet-A, and cruises at approximately 175 kt; the 182 burns avgas, cruises at ~140 kt, and costs significantly less to own and operate.
DA42 or 182 — which four-seater?
Buy the 182 if affordability, simplicity, and the world's deepest parts and maintenance network are the priorities — it handles four-seat touring efficiently and cost-effectively. Buy the DA42 if twin-engine certification, diesel fuel, modern composite construction, and 175 kt cruise justify the higher cost. The DA42 earns its premium through twin-engine redundancy and modern technology; for most personal flying, the 182 is the rational choice.
What does the DA42's twin-engine certification mean?
Engine failure in the DA42 results in single-engine operation — the aircraft continues with one diesel running. Engine failure in the 182 requires an immediate off-airport landing. For operations over water, mountains, or commercial contexts where twin-engine certification is a regulatory requirement, the DA42's redundancy is operationally meaningful. For typical personal IFR over land, both aircraft have strong safety records.
How do specs compare?
Cessna 182T: Lycoming IO-540-AB1A5 (230 hp), four seats, single engine, gasoline, fixed gear, ~140 kt. DA42: Austro AE300 diesel (~170 hp each), four seats, twin engine, Jet-A, retractable gear, ~175 kt.
Which is cheaper to operate?
The 182 is less expensive to operate in avgas-available markets — lower acquisition cost and simpler single-engine systems. The DA42's diesel and retractable gear add complexity and cost. In European and international markets where avgas is expensive or scarce, the DA42's diesel advantage narrows or eliminates the cost gap.
Which should I buy?
182 for four-seat touring at the lowest practical ownership cost. DA42 for twin-engine personal flying — whether for IFR currency, twin-engine rating requirements, or diesel fuel independence. The DA42 buyer is the pilot who genuinely needs twin-engine certification or diesel flexibility.
Which is better, Cessna 182 or Diamond DA42?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 182 cruises at 140 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 182: from $104,000.
Diamond DA42: from $601,394.
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-R (230 hp).
Cruise: 140 vs 170 kts.
Range: 640 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: 1,700-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