Diamond DA40 vs Diamond DA50 RG
Diamond's piston singles divide cleanly, and buyers usually weigh the DA40 Star against the newer DA50 RG. The DA40 is the four-seat, fixed-gear tourer that built Diamond's name — economical, forgiving and holding one of the best safety records in general aviation. The DA50 RG is the bigger answer: a five-seat, retractable-gear single with a notably wide cabin and a 300-horsepower turbo-diesel that turns in real extra speed. Same composite DNA, a clear jump in size and capability. What each is asking, and how many are out there, is below.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
- For sale now
- 85
- Median asking
- $424,858
- Range
- $184,562–$670,700
- Model years available
- 2000–2026
- For sale now
- 28
- Median asking
- $1,159,000
- Range
- $894,146–$1,409,050
- Model years available
- 2014–2026
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) | Diamond DA40 | Diamond DA50 RG |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 10 | — |
| Serious | 0 | — |
| Fatal | 3 | — |
| Fatalities | 5 | — |
| % Fatal | 30% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Diamond DA40 | Diamond DA50 RG |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $184,562 – $670,700 | $894,146 – $1,409,050 |
| 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) | 1,232 lbs (559 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 Diesel |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateDiamond DA40
Diamond DA50 RG
Which Should You Buy: Diamond DA40 or Diamond DA50 RG?
Bottom line: The DA40 is the value-and-safety pick — low fuel burn, fixed-gear simplicity and one of the lowest fatal-accident rates in general aviation, which stays its strongest argument for training, hour-building and economical touring. Move up to the DA50 RG when you want genuine five-seat room, retractable-gear speed and the longer legs a 300-horsepower diesel brings — accepting a higher price, retractable-gear upkeep and the gear discipline that goes with it. On safety the contrast is really one of evidence: the DA40 has years of accident data behind its reputation, while the DA50 RG is still too new for a comparable record and is judged instead on Diamond's crashworthy composite design. The classic Diamond choice — proven economy now, or more airplane for what comes next.
Pick the DA40 if…
- Budget matters — from $184,562 vs $894,146, you save ~$709,584.
- Lower operating cost — ~$120/hr vs $135/hr.
- More inventory — 88 listings vs 31.
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.