Diamond DA40 vs Cessna 150
The Diamond DA40 and Cessna 150 differ in era, size, and design. The four-seat, composite, low-wing DA40 features glass avionics and a modern airframe, while the two-seat, high-wing 150 is a light, economical primary trainer. This is the modern four-seater versus classic budget trainer comparison.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Diamond DA40 | Cessna 150 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $149,900 – $733,701 | $25,000 – $129,900 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 2 |
| Horsepower | 180 HP | 100 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 135 kts (250 km/h) | 97 kts (180 km/h) |
| Range | 635 nm (1,176 km) | 420 nm (778 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 16,400 ft (4,999 m) | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,535 lbs (1,150 kg) | 1,600 lbs (726 kg) |
| Useful Load | 780 lbs (354 kg) | 530 lbs (240 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 40.0 gal (151 L) | 26.0 gal (98 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 9.5 GPH (36 L/h) | 6.0 GPH (23 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,400 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $16,000 | $15,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $120 | $100 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateDiamond DA40
Fuel$52/hr
Variable$120/hr
Annual Fixed$16,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$40,000/yr
Cessna 150
Fuel$33/hr
Variable$100/hr
Annual Fixed$15,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$35,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Diamond DA40 or Cessna 150?
Bottom line: Choose the DA40 for a modern composite airframe, glass cockpit, and four-seat versatility; pick the 150 for the lowest operating costs and an ideal, forgiving first airplane. Both serve very different missions, so budget, mission, and condition typically decide which fits best.
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.
Pick the 150 if…
- Budget matters — from $25,000 vs $149,900, you save ~$124,900.
- Lower operating cost — ~$100/hr vs $120/hr.
- More inventory — 137 listings vs 95.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Diamond DA40 or Cessna 150?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The DA40 cruises at 135 kts with 635 nm range.
The 150 cruises at 97 kts with 420 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Diamond DA40: from $529,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Diamond DA40 and Cessna 150?
150 engine: Continental O-200 (100 hp).
Seats: 4 vs 2.
Cruise: 135 vs 97 kts.
Range: 635 vs 420 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
DA40: about $120/hr variable cost.
150: about $100/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?
DA40: 4 seats / 780 lb useful load.
150: 2 seats / 530 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?
DA40: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$25,000.
150: 2,400-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