Diamond DA40 vs Mooney M20J
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.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Diamond DA40 | Mooney M20J |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $149,900 – $733,701 | $59,394 – $266,441 |
| 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
EstimateDiamond DA40
Fuel$52/hr
Variable$120/hr
Annual Fixed$16,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$40,000/yr
Mooney M20J
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 M20J?
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 — 95 listings vs 55.
Pick the M20J if…
- Budget matters — from $59,394 vs $149,900, you save ~$90,506.
- 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 M20J?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The DA40 cruises at 135 kts with 635 nm range.
The M20J 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 $529,000.
Mooney M20J: from $165,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Diamond DA40 and Mooney M20J?
M20J 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.
M20J: 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.
M20J: 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.
M20J: 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