Diamond DA40 vs Diamond DA50 RG
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Diamond DA40 | Diamond DA50 RG |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $149,900 – $733,701 | $737,764 – $1,499,500 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 5 |
| Horsepower | 180 HP | 300 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 135 kts (250 km/h) | 180 kts (333 km/h) |
| Range | 635 nm (1,176 km) | 750 nm (1,389 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 16,400 ft (4,999 m) | 20,000 ft (6,096 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,535 lbs (1,150 kg) | 3,957 lbs (1,795 kg) |
| Useful Load | 780 lbs (354 kg) | — |
| Fuel Capacity | 40.0 gal (151 L) | 50.0 gal (189 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 9.5 GPH (36 L/h) | 9.0 GPH (34 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $25,000 | $28,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $16,000 | $18,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $120 | $135 |
| 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
Diamond DA50 RG
Fuel$50/hr
Variable$135/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$45,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Diamond DA40 or Diamond DA50 RG?
Pick the DA40 if…
- Budget matters — from $149,900 vs $737,764, you save ~$587,864.
- Lower operating cost — ~$120/hr vs $135/hr.
- More inventory — 95 listings vs 40.
Pick the DA50 RG if…
- More seats — 5 vs 4.
- Faster cruise — 180 kts vs 135 kts.
- Longer range — 750 nm vs 635 nm.
- Newer design — production from 2020 vs 2000.
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 Diamond DA50 RG?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The DA40 cruises at 135 kts with 635 nm range.
The DA50 RG cruises at 180 kts with 750 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Diamond DA40: from $529,000.
Diamond DA50 RG: from $999,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Diamond DA40 and Diamond DA50 RG?
Seats: 4 vs 5.
Cruise: 135 vs 180 kts.
Range: 635 vs 750 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
DA40: about $120/hr variable cost.
DA50 RG: about $135/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.
DA50 RG: 5 seats.
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.
DA50 RG: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$28,000.
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