Diamond DA40 vs Piper Cherokee
The Piper Cherokee PA-28 (aluminium low-wing, ~115-125 kt) and Diamond DA40 (composite low-wing, ~150 kt) are different generations of four-seat trainers/touring singles — the Cherokee is the 1960s-2000s classic; the DA40 is the modern composite.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Diamond DA40 | Piper Cherokee |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $149,900 – $733,701 | $9,800 – $9,950,010 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 180 HP | 150 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 135 kts (250 km/h) | 117 kts (217 km/h) |
| Range | 635 nm (1,176 km) | 525 nm (972 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 16,400 ft (4,999 m) | 14,300 ft (4,359 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,535 lbs (1,150 kg) | 2,150 lbs (975 kg) |
| Useful Load | 780 lbs (354 kg) | 850 lbs (386 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 40.0 gal (151 L) | 50.0 gal (189 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 9.5 GPH (36 L/h) | 8.0 GPH (30 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $25,000 | $28,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $16,000 | $16,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $120 | $120 |
| 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 Cherokee
Fuel$44/hr
Variable$120/hr
Annual Fixed$16,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$40,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Diamond DA40 or Piper Cherokee?
Bottom line: Choose the DA40 for modern composite construction, factory Garmin G1000 NXi, benign Diamond handling and the youngest active four-seat single fleet — at higher acquisition cost. Choose the Cherokee for lower acquisition cost, simpler aluminium maintenance and the broadest Piper support network.
Pick the DA40 if…
- Faster cruise — 135 kts vs 117 kts.
- Longer range — 635 nm vs 525 nm.
- Newer design — production from 2000 vs 1961.
Pick the Cherokee if…
- Budget matters — from $9,800 vs $149,900, you save ~$140,100.
- More inventory — 645 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 Cherokee?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The DA40 cruises at 135 kts with 635 nm range.
The Cherokee cruises at 117 kts with 525 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Diamond DA40: from $529,000.
Piper Cherokee: from $115,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Diamond DA40 and Piper Cherokee?
Cruise: 135 vs 117 kts.
Range: 635 vs 525 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
DA40: about $120/hr variable cost.
Cherokee: about $120/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.
Cherokee: 4 seats / 850 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.
Cherokee: 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