Diamond DA40 vs Piper Arrow
The Diamond DA40 (composite fixed-gear, ~150 kt, factory G1000 NXi) and Piper Arrow (aluminium retractable, ~135-140 kt) are different generations of four-seater — the DA40 is the modern composite; the Arrow is the classic complex retractable.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Diamond DA40 | Piper Arrow |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $149,900 – $733,701 | $44,950 – $429,460 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 180 HP | 200 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 135 kts (250 km/h) | 135 kts (250 km/h) |
| Range | 635 nm (1,176 km) | 720 nm (1,333 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 16,400 ft (4,999 m) | 15,400 ft (4,694 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,535 lbs (1,150 kg) | 2,750 lbs (1,247 kg) |
| Useful Load | 780 lbs (354 kg) | 940 lbs (426 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 40.0 gal (151 L) | 72.0 gal (273 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 9.5 GPH (36 L/h) | 10.5 GPH (40 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $25,000 | $30,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $16,000 | $18,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $120 | $145 |
| 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
Piper Arrow
Fuel$58/hr
Variable$145/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$47,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Diamond DA40 or Piper Arrow?
Bottom line: Choose the DA40 for modern composite construction, Garmin glass and the youngest active fleet at higher cruise on fixed gear. Choose the Arrow only for the cheapest entry into a retractable single — primarily as a complex-rating trainer.
Pick the DA40 if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$120/hr vs $145/hr.
- Newer design — production from 2000 vs 1967.
Pick the Arrow if…
- Budget matters — from $44,950 vs $149,900, you save ~$104,950.
- Longer range — 720 nm vs 635 nm.
- More inventory — 195 listings vs 95.
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 Piper Arrow?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The DA40 cruises at 135 kts with 635 nm range.
The Arrow cruises at 135 kts with 720 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Diamond DA40: from $529,000.
Piper Arrow: from $79,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Diamond DA40 and Piper Arrow?
Cruise: 135 vs 135 kts.
Range: 635 vs 720 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
DA40: about $120/hr variable cost.
Arrow: about $145/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.
Arrow: 4 seats / 940 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.
Arrow: 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