Diamond DA40 vs Mooney 201

The Mooney M20J (~160 kt, retractable) and Diamond DA40 (~150 kt, fixed-gear, modern composite) are competing four-seat singles — both Garmin-glass capable, both excellent IFR platforms, but with different philosophies.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily

Diamond DA40
For sale now
85
Median asking
$424,858
Range
$184,562–$670,700
Model years available
2000–2026
Mooney 201
For sale now
57
Median asking
$139,450
Range
$96,250–$234,955
Model years available
1977–1998

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 DA40Mooney 201
All events101
Serious00
Fatal30
Fatalities50
% Fatal30%0%
View full Diamond DA40 NTSB record →View full Mooney 201 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Diamond DA40 Mooney 201
Diamond DA40
View 88 listings →
Median $424,858
 Mooney 201
View 8 listings →
Median $139,450
Price Range $184,562 – $670,700 $96,250 – $234,955
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 4 4
Horsepower 180 HP 200 HP
Cruise Speed 135 kts (250 km/h) 161 kts (298 km/h)
Range 635 nm (1,176 km) 820 nm (1,519 km)
Service Ceiling 16,400 ft (4,999 m) 18,800 ft (5,730 m)
Max Gross Weight 2,535 lbs (1,150 kg) 2,740 lbs (1,243 kg)
Useful Load 780 lbs (354 kg) 900 lbs (408 kg)
Fuel Capacity 40.0 gal (151 L) 64.0 gal (242 L)
Fuel Burn 9.5 GPH (36 L/h) 10.0 GPH (38 L/h)
TBO 2,000 hrs 2,000 hrs
Overhaul Cost $25,000 $30,000
Annual Fixed $16,000 $18,000
Hourly Variable $120 $140
Engines 1 x Piston 1 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Diamond DA40

Fuel$52/hr
Variable$120/hr
Annual Fixed$16,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $40,000/yr

Mooney 201

Fuel$55/hr
Variable$140/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $46,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Diamond DA40 or Mooney 201?

Bottom line: Choose the DA40 for modern composite construction, factory Garmin G1000 NXi, benign handling and the youngest active four-seat single fleet. Choose the M20J for 10 kt more cruise, retractable efficiency and materially lower acquisition cost on the used market.

Pick the DA40 if…

  • Lower operating cost — ~$120/hr vs $140/hr.
  • Newer design — production from 2000 vs 1977.
  • More inventory — 88 listings vs 8.

Pick the 201 if…

  • Budget matters — from $96,250 vs $184,562, you save ~$88,312.
  • Faster cruise — 161 kts vs 135 kts.
  • Longer range — 820 nm vs 635 nm.

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 Mooney 201?
It depends on your mission and budget. The DA40 cruises at 135 kts with 635 nm range. The 201 cruises at 161 kts with 820 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Diamond DA40: from $382,026. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Diamond DA40 and Mooney 201?
201 engine: Lycoming O-320 (200 hp). Cruise: 135 vs 161 kts. Range: 635 vs 820 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
DA40: about $120/hr variable cost. 201: about $140/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. 201: 4 seats / 900 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. 201: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$30,000. 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