Diamond DA40 vs Cessna 182
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
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Diamond DA40 | Cessna 182 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $149,900 – $733,316 | $14,500 – $875,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 180 HP | 230 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 135 kts (250 km/h) | 140 kts (259 km/h) |
| Range | 635 nm (1,176 km) | 915 nm (1,695 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 16,400 ft (4,999 m) | 18,100 ft (5,517 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,535 lbs (1,150 kg) | 3,100 lbs (1,406 kg) |
| Useful Load | 780 lbs (354 kg) | 1,110 lbs (503 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 40.0 gal (151 L) | 92.0 gal (348 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 9.5 GPH (36 L/h) | 12.5 GPH (47 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $25,000 | $32,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $16,000 | $20,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $120 | $160 |
| 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 182
Fuel$69/hr
Variable$160/hr
Annual Fixed$20,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$52,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Diamond DA40 or Cessna 182?
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…
- Lower operating cost — ~$120/hr vs $160/hr.
- Newer design — production from 2000 vs 1956.
Pick the 182 if…
- Budget matters — from $14,500 vs $149,900, you save ~$135,400.
- Faster cruise — 140 kts vs 135 kts.
- Longer range — 915 nm vs 635 nm.
- More inventory — 475 listings vs 81.
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 182?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The DA40 cruises at 135 kts with 635 nm range.
The 182 cruises at 140 kts with 915 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Diamond DA40: from $499,000.
Cessna 182: from $119,950.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Diamond DA40 and Cessna 182?
182 engine: Continental O-470-L (230 hp).
Cruise: 135 vs 140 kts.
Range: 635 vs 915 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
DA40: about $120/hr variable cost.
182: about $160/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.
182: 4 seats / 1,110 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.
182: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$32,000.
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