Cessna 182 vs Diamond DA40

The Cessna 182 Skylane and the Diamond DA40 Star are two four-seat singles a generation apart — the powerful high-wing 182 and the efficient composite DA40. The 182 carries more with a strong useful load; the DA40 is sleek, economical and has an exceptional safety record. Where each trades now is below.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle

Cessna 182
For sale now
489
Median asking
$218,897
Range
$104,725–$564,768
Model years available
1956–2026
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 182 — 4 generations

GenerationYearsEngineMTOWCruiseRangeFor sale
182 Continental (early) 1956–1976 O-470-L/R 2650 140 640 218
182 Continental (late) 1977–1986 O-470-U 3100 142 700 86
T182 Turbo 1981–1986 TIO-540-AK1A 3100 158 970 50
182 Lycoming 1997–now IO-540-AB1A5 3100 145 930 166

Diamond DA40 — 0 generations

GenerationYearsEngineMTOWCruiseRangeFor 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 182Diamond DA40
All events277910
Serious2490
Fatal5293
Fatalities10005
% Fatal19%30%
View full Cessna 182 NTSB record →View full Diamond DA40 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Cessna 182 Diamond DA40
Cessna 182
View 104 listings →
Median $218,897
 Diamond DA40
View 90 listings →
Median $424,858
Price Range $104,725 – $564,768 $184,562 – $670,700
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 4 4
Horsepower 230–235 HP 180 HP
Cruise Speed 140–158 kts (293 km/h) 135 kts (250 km/h)
Range 640–970 nm (1,796 km) 635 nm (1,176 km)
Service Ceiling 18,100 ft (5,517 m) 16,400 ft (4,999 m)
Max Gross Weight 2650–3,100 lbs (1,406 kg) 2,535 lbs (1,150 kg)
Useful Load 1,110 lbs (503 kg) 780 lbs (354 kg)
Fuel Capacity 92.0 gal (348 L) 40.0 gal (151 L)
Fuel Burn 12.5 GPH (47 L/h) 9.5 GPH (36 L/h)
TBO 1,700 hrs 2,000 hrs
Overhaul Cost $32,000 $25,000
Annual Fixed $20,000 $16,000
Hourly Variable $160 $120
Engines 1 x Piston 1 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Cessna 182

Fuel$69/hr
Variable$160/hr
Annual Fixed$20,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $52,000/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 182 or Diamond DA40?

Bottom line: Choose the 182 Skylane for power and payload — a strong useful load, high-wing visibility and the deepest support in aviation. Choose the DA40 Star for efficiency and record — a composite airframe, low running costs and one of the lowest fatal-accident rates in general aviation. On safety each brings a strong, different case — the 182 a long, benign history and more payload, the DA40 an outstanding record — both excellent; the divide is power versus efficiency, not safety. Powerful high-wing hauler, or efficient composite record-setter.

Pick the 182 if…

  • Budget matters — from $104,725 vs $184,562, you save ~$79,837.
  • Faster cruise — 140 kts vs 135 kts.
  • Longer range — 640 nm vs 635 nm.
  • More inventory — 104 listings vs 90.

Pick the DA40 if…

  • Lower operating cost — ~$120/hr vs $160/hr.
  • Newer design — production from 2000 vs 1956.

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between the Cessna 182 and Diamond DA40?
The 182 is a powerful high-wing aluminium four-seater; the DA40 a modern composite single. The 182 carries more; the DA40 is more efficient with a great safety record.
Which carries more?
The 182 — more power and useful load. The DA40 is efficient and capable but lighter on payload.
Which is cheaper to own?
The DA40 — lower fuel burn (often diesel) and running costs. The 182's power and payload come with higher fuel use.
Which is better, Cessna 182 or Diamond DA40?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 182 cruises at 140 kts with 640 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 182: from $104,000. 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 182 and Diamond DA40?
182 engine: CONTINENTAL O-470-R (230 hp). Cruise: 140 vs 135 kts. Range: 640 vs 635 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
182: about $160/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?
182: 4 seats / 1,110 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?
182: 1,700-hour TBO, overhaul ~$32,000. 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