Cessna R172 Hawk XP vs Diamond DA42

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Cessna R172 Hawk XP Diamond DA42
Cessna R172 Hawk XP
View 33 listings →
Median $159,000
Diamond DA42
View 47 listings →
Median $699,950
Price Range $93,075 – $309,900 $489,259 – $1,162,757
Category Single Engine Piston Multi Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 4
Cruise Speed 170 kts (315 km/h)
Range 1,050 nm (1,945 km)
Service Ceiling 18,000 ft (5,486 m)
Max Gross Weight 3,935 lbs (1,785 kg)
Useful Load 940 lbs (426 kg)
Fuel Capacity 50.0 gal (189 L)
Fuel Burn 12.0 GPH (45 L/h)
TBO 1,800 hrs
Overhaul Cost $28,000
Annual Fixed $20,000
Hourly Variable $150
Engines 2 x Diesel

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Cessna R172 Hawk XP

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 R172 Hawk XP or Diamond DA42?

Pick the R172 Hawk XP if…

  • Budget matters — from $93,075 vs $489,259, you save ~$396,184.

Pick the DA42 if…

  • More inventory — 47 listings vs 33.

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 R172 Hawk XP or Diamond DA42?
It depends on your mission and budget. 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?
Diamond DA42: from $607,672. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna R172 Hawk XP and Diamond DA42?
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
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?
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?
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