Cessna 150 vs Diamond DA40
The Cessna 150/152 (two-seat trainer) / 172 (four-seat trainer) / 182 (four-seat hauler) and Diamond DA40 (four-seat composite, ~150 kt, factory G1000 NXi) are different generations of training/touring singles — the Cessnas are the aluminium classics; the DA40 is the modern composite.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Cessna 150
- For sale now
- 136
- Median asking
- $53,250
- Range
- $32,955–$91,808
- Model years available
- 1959–1978
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.
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 150 — 1 generations
| Generation | Years | Engine | MTOW | Cruise | Range | For sale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 172 O-320 150hp | 1968–1976 | O-320-E2D | 2300 | 120 | 585 | 128 |
Diamond DA40 — 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 150 | Diamond DA40 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 3241 | 10 |
| Serious | 351 | 0 |
| Fatal | 427 | 3 |
| Fatalities | 611 | 5 |
| % Fatal | 13% | 30% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna 150 | Diamond DA40 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $32,955 – $91,808 | $184,562 – $670,700 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 100 HP | 180 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 97 kts (180 km/h) | 135 kts (250 km/h) |
| Range | 420 nm (778 km) | 635 nm (1,176 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) | 16,400 ft (4,999 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 1,600 lbs (726 kg) | 2,535 lbs (1,150 kg) |
| Useful Load | 530 lbs (240 kg) | 780 lbs (354 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 26.0 gal (98 L) | 40.0 gal (151 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 6.0 GPH (23 L/h) | 9.5 GPH (36 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,800 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $15,000 | $16,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $100 | $120 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 150
Fuel$33/hr
Variable$100/hr
Annual Fixed$15,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$35,000/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 150 or Diamond DA40?
Bottom line: Choose the Cessna for the largest support network, proven aluminium economics and the cheapest entry. Choose the DA40 for modern composite construction, factory Garmin G1000 NXi, benign handling and the youngest active fleet — when modern features and Garmin glass are worth the higher acquisition cost.
Pick the 150 if…
- Budget matters — from $32,955 vs $184,562, you save ~$151,607.
- Lower operating cost — ~$100/hr vs $120/hr.
Pick the DA40 if…
- More seats — 4 vs 2.
- Faster cruise — 135 kts vs 97 kts.
- Longer range — 635 nm vs 420 nm.
- Newer design — production from 2000 vs 1959.
- More inventory — 88 listings vs 51.
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 Cessna 150 and Diamond DA40?
Era, design, and mission. The Cessna 150 is a 1960s–1970s two-seat metal trainer with the Continental O-200-A (100 hp), ~100 kt cruise, and a half-century of training history. The Diamond DA40 is a modern composite four-seat touring aircraft (gasoline versions use the Lycoming IO-360, around 180 hp; some use an Austro diesel), approximately 145 kt cruise, and a glass cockpit. The DA40 has four seats and modern avionics; the 150 has two seats and mechanical gauges.
150 or DA40 — which should I buy?
Buy the 150 if primary flight training or two-seat budget ownership is the goal — its simplicity, low acquisition cost, and proven training record are unmatched for this purpose. Buy the DA40 if four seats, modern composite construction, glass avionics, and better cross-country performance are required. The DA40 is a genuinely modern aircraft; the 150 is the budget trainer. They do not compete for the same buyer.
How do safety features compare?
The DA40's composite airframe and modern design include modern shoulder harnesses and a safety-cell structure, plus the glass cockpit improves situational awareness. The 150 uses vintage-era safety standards — functional and proven in training, but without modern avionics integration. For new student pilots, the DA40's modern environment is closer to current cockpit philosophy.
How do specs compare?
Cessna 150: Continental O-200-A (100 hp), two seats, fixed gear, ~100–107 kt. Diamond DA40: Lycoming IO-360 (~180 hp) on gasoline versions, four seats, fixed gear, ~145 kt.
Which is cheaper to operate?
The 150 has the lower operating cost — the 100-hp O-200 burns less fuel than the DA40's larger engine, and the lower acquisition cost means lower ownership overhead. The DA40's modern construction reduces some maintenance items; its glass-avionics database adds annual cost. For pure training economics the 150 wins; for any ownership beyond training, the DA40's four seats and modern avionics change the calculation.
Which should I buy?
150 for budget primary training and two-seat ownership where cost is the overriding factor. DA40 for four-seat modern touring with glass avionics — a genuinely current aircraft suitable for a private pilot's first cross-country machine. They occupy completely different markets; the 150 buyer is not the DA40 buyer.
Which is better, Cessna 150 or Diamond DA40?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 150 cruises at 97 kts with 420 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 150: from $89,000.
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 150 and Diamond DA40?
150 engine: CONTINENTAL O-200 (100 hp).
Seats: 2 vs 4.
Cruise: 97 vs 135 kts.
Range: 420 vs 635 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
150: about $100/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?
150: 2 seats / 530 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?
150: 1,800-hour TBO, overhaul ~$25,000.
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 updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data