Diamond DA40 vs Cessna 152
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.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Diamond DA40 | Cessna 152 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $149,900 – $733,316 | $38,000 – $125,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 2 |
| Horsepower | 180 HP | 110 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 135 kts (250 km/h) | 100 kts (185 km/h) |
| Range | 635 nm (1,176 km) | 415 nm (769 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 16,400 ft (4,999 m) | 14,700 ft (4,481 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,535 lbs (1,150 kg) | 1,670 lbs (758 kg) |
| Useful Load | 780 lbs (354 kg) | 528 lbs (240 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 40.0 gal (151 L) | 26.0 gal (98 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 9.5 GPH (36 L/h) | 6.1 GPH (23 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,400 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $25,000 | $22,000 |
| 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 152
Fuel$34/hr
Variable$100/hr
Annual Fixed$15,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$35,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Diamond DA40 or Cessna 152?
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 DA40 if…
- More seats — 4 vs 2.
- Faster cruise — 135 kts vs 100 kts.
- Longer range — 635 nm vs 415 nm.
- Newer design — production from 2000 vs 1977.
- More inventory — 81 listings vs 58.
Pick the 152 if…
- Budget matters — from $38,000 vs $149,900, you save ~$111,900.
- Lower operating cost — ~$100/hr vs $120/hr.
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 152?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The DA40 cruises at 135 kts with 635 nm range.
The 152 cruises at 100 kts with 415 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Diamond DA40: from $499,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Diamond DA40 and Cessna 152?
152 engine: Lycoming O-235 (110 hp).
Seats: 4 vs 2.
Cruise: 135 vs 100 kts.
Range: 635 vs 415 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
DA40: about $120/hr variable cost.
152: 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.
152: 2 seats / 528 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.
152: 2,400-hour TBO, overhaul ~$22,000.
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