Cessna 152 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 · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle
Cessna 152
- For sale now
- 59
- Median asking
- $70,000
- Range
- $45,545–$117,000
- Model years available
- 1977–1983
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.
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 152 | Diamond DA40 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 2435 | 10 |
| Serious | 130 | 0 |
| Fatal | 255 | 3 |
| Fatalities | 386 | 5 |
| % Fatal | 10% | 30% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna 152 | Diamond DA40 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $45,545 – $117,000 | $184,562 – $670,700 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 110 HP | 180 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 100 kts (185 km/h) | 135 kts (250 km/h) |
| Range | 415 nm (769 km) | 635 nm (1,176 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,700 ft (4,481 m) | 16,400 ft (4,999 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 1,670 lbs (758 kg) | 2,535 lbs (1,150 kg) |
| Useful Load | 528 lbs (240 kg) | 780 lbs (354 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 26.0 gal (98 L) | 40.0 gal (151 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 6.1 GPH (23 L/h) | 9.5 GPH (36 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,400 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $22,000 | $25,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $15,000 | $16,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $100 | $120 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 152
Fuel$34/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 152 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 152 if…
- Budget matters — from $45,545 vs $184,562, you save ~$139,017.
- Lower operating cost — ~$100/hr vs $120/hr.
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 — 90 listings vs 60.
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 152 and Diamond DA40?
Era, seating, and construction. The Cessna 152 (O-235, 110 hp, 2 seats, aluminium, ~107 kt) is the classic two-seat trainer — simple and universal. The Diamond DA40 (Lycoming IO-360-M1A, 180 hp, or Austro AE300 diesel, 4 seats, composite, low-wing, ~155 kt) is a modern four-seat composite touring aircraft — faster, larger, and a different class entirely.
Cessna 152 or DA40 — which?
These barely compete — the 152 is a 2-seat trainer; the DA40 is a 4-seat modern tourer. Buy the 152 for primary training at the lowest possible cost. Buy the DA40 for a modern four-seat composite aircraft with superior speed and fuel efficiency over older pistons.
What makes the DA40 distinctive vs the 152?
The DA40 uses composite construction (lighter, smoother) versus the 152's aluminium, cruises at ~155 kt vs 107 kt, and seats four where the 152 seats two. The DA40's diesel variants (DA40 TDI/NG, Austro AE300) offer dramatically lower fuel burn per hour and run on Jet-A.
How do specs compare?
Cessna 152: O-235 (110 hp), 2 seats, aluminium, ~107 kt. Diamond DA40: IO-360-M1A (~180 hp) or Austro AE300 diesel, 4 seats, composite, low-wing, ~155 kt.
Which is cheaper to operate?
The 152 is much cheaper per hour — 110 hp fuel burn is minimal. The DA40's larger engine and composite maintenance are more expensive, though the diesel variant's fuel cost can be lower in regions where Jet-A is cheaper than avgas. For training-only operations, the 152 is the economical choice.
Which should I buy?
Cessna 152 for two-seat primary training — it does one thing exceptionally well at the lowest cost. Diamond DA40 for four-seat modern touring — when composite construction, ~155 kt cruise, and fuel efficiency define the choice.
Which is better, Cessna 152 or Diamond DA40?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 152 cruises at 100 kts with 415 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 152: 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 152 and Diamond DA40?
152 engine: LYCOMING O-235 (110 hp).
Seats: 2 vs 4.
Cruise: 100 vs 135 kts.
Range: 415 vs 635 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
152: 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?
152: 2 seats / 528 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?
152: 2,400-hour TBO, overhaul ~$22,000.
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 re-checked on a rolling cycle — most within a few days · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data