Diamond DA50 RG vs Diamond DA40
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Diamond DA50 RG | Diamond DA40 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $738,192 – $1,499,500 | $149,900 – $733,889 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 5 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 300 HP | 180 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 180 kts (333 km/h) | 135 kts (250 km/h) |
| Range | 750 nm (1,389 km) | 635 nm (1,176 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 20,000 ft (6,096 m) | 16,400 ft (4,999 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,957 lbs (1,795 kg) | 2,535 lbs (1,150 kg) |
| Useful Load | — | 780 lbs (354 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 50.0 gal (189 L) | 40.0 gal (151 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 9.0 GPH (34 L/h) | 9.5 GPH (36 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $28,000 | $25,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $18,000 | $16,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $135 | $120 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateDiamond DA50 RG
Fuel$50/hr
Variable$135/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$45,000/yr
Diamond DA40
Fuel$52/hr
Variable$120/hr
Annual Fixed$16,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$40,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Diamond DA50 RG or Diamond DA40?
Pick the DA50 RG if…
- More seats — 5 vs 4.
- Faster cruise — 180 kts vs 135 kts.
- Longer range — 750 nm vs 635 nm.
- Newer design — production from 2020 vs 2000.
Pick the DA40 if…
- Budget matters — from $149,900 vs $738,192, you save ~$588,292.
- Lower operating cost — ~$120/hr vs $135/hr.
- More inventory — 88 listings vs 31.
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 DA50 RG or Diamond DA40?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The DA50 RG cruises at 180 kts with 750 nm range.
The DA40 cruises at 135 kts with 635 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Diamond DA50 RG: from $1,175,800.
Diamond DA40: from $570,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Diamond DA50 RG and Diamond DA40?
Seats: 5 vs 4.
Cruise: 180 vs 135 kts.
Range: 750 vs 635 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
DA50 RG: about $135/hr variable cost.
DA40: 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?
DA50 RG: 5 seats.
DA40: 4 seats / 780 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?
DA50 RG: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$28,000.
DA40: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$25,000.
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