Diamond DA40 vs Diamond DA42

The Diamond DA40 Star and the Diamond DA42 Twin Star are Diamond's composite single and twin — the four-seat DA40 and the DA42 twin. The DA40 is the efficient, record-setting single; the DA42 Twin Star adds a second engine for redundancy and multi-engine training. Where each trades now is below.

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
Diamond DA42
For sale now
46
Median asking
$699,900
Range
$520,774–$1,100,160
Model years available
2005–2026

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 DA40Diamond DA42
All events107
Serious01
Fatal30
Fatalities50
% Fatal30%0%
View full Diamond DA40 NTSB record →View full Diamond DA42 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Diamond DA40 Diamond DA42
Diamond DA40
View 89 listings →
Median $424,858
 Diamond DA42
View 46 listings →
Median $699,900
Price Range $184,562 – $670,700 $520,774 – $1,100,160
Category Single Engine Piston Multi Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 4 4
Horsepower 180 HP 168 HP
Cruise Speed 135 kts (250 km/h) 170 kts (315 km/h)
Range 635 nm (1,176 km) 1,050 nm (1,945 km)
Service Ceiling 16,400 ft (4,999 m) 18,000 ft (5,486 m)
Max Gross Weight 2,535 lbs (1,150 kg) 3,935 lbs (1,785 kg)
Useful Load 780 lbs (354 kg) 940 lbs (426 kg)
Fuel Capacity 40.0 gal (151 L) 50.0 gal (189 L)
Fuel Burn 9.5 GPH (36 L/h) 12.0 GPH (45 L/h)
TBO 2,000 hrs 1,800 hrs
Overhaul Cost $25,000 $28,000
Annual Fixed $16,000 $20,000
Hourly Variable $120 $150
Engines 1 x Piston 2 x Diesel

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Diamond DA40

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

Diamond DA42

Fuel$66/hr
Variable$150/hr
Annual Fixed$20,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $50,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Diamond DA40 or Diamond DA42?

Bottom line: Choose the DA40 Star for efficient single-engine flying — low costs, great visibility, an exceptional safety record and four seats. Choose the DA42 Twin Star for twin-engine redundancy and training — two efficient jet-A diesels and a popular multi-engine trainer. On safety the DA40 brings an outstanding single-engine record, while the DA42 adds engine-out redundancy but, like all light twins, rewards proficiency; both are strong, different cases. Efficient single, or redundant twin.

Pick the DA40 if…

  • Budget matters — from $184,562 vs $520,774, you save ~$336,212.
  • Lower operating cost — ~$120/hr vs $150/hr.
  • More inventory — 89 listings vs 46.

Pick the DA42 if…

  • Faster cruise — 170 kts vs 135 kts.
  • Longer range — 1050 nm vs 635 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 2004 vs 2000.

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between the DA40 and DA42?
The DA40 is a four-seat single; the DA42 Twin Star a diesel twin with two engines and engine-out redundancy. Both are composite Diamonds; the DA42 is the multi-engine option.
Which has two engines?
The DA42 — its twin diesels add redundancy and make it a popular multi-engine trainer. The DA40 is a single.
Which is cheaper to own?
The DA40 — one engine means lower fuel and maintenance. The DA42 adds the cost of a second engine for redundancy and training.
Which is better, Diamond DA40 or Diamond DA42?
It depends on your mission and budget. The DA40 cruises at 135 kts with 635 nm range. The DA42 cruises at 170 kts with 1,050 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Diamond DA40: from $382,026. Diamond DA42: from $601,394. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Diamond DA40 and Diamond DA42?
Cruise: 135 vs 170 kts. Range: 635 vs 1050 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
DA40: about $120/hr variable cost. DA42: about $150/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. DA42: 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. DA42: 1,800-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