Diamond DA62 vs Piper Malibu
The Piper Malibu PA-46 (six-seat pressurised single piston/turboprop, ~213-274 kt depending on variant) and Diamond DA62 (seven-seat twin Austro AE330 diesel, ~190 kt, unpressurised) are different-class aircraft — single vs twin, pressurised vs unpressurised.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Diamond DA62 | Piper Malibu |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $550,000 – $1,930,360 | $257,092 – $4,582,731 |
| Category | Multi Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 7 | 6 |
| Horsepower | — | 310 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 175 kts (324 km/h) | 198 kts (367 km/h) |
| Range | 1,100 nm (2,037 km) | 1,300 nm (2,408 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 20,000 ft (6,096 m) | 25,000 ft (7,620 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 5,070 lbs (2,300 kg) | 4,100 lbs (1,860 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,300 lbs (590 kg) | 1,200 lbs (544 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 79.0 gal (299 L) | 120.0 gal (454 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 14.0 GPH (53 L/h) | 16.0 GPH (61 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,800 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $30,000 | $35,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $22,000 | $22,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $160 | $190 |
| Engines | 2 x Diesel | 1 x Piston (Turbocharged) |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateDiamond DA62
Fuel$77/hr
Variable$160/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$54,000/yr
Piper Malibu
Fuel$88/hr
Variable$190/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$60,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Diamond DA62 or Piper Malibu?
Bottom line: Choose the Malibu/M-series for pressurisation, higher cruise and the longer-range single-engine mission. Choose the DA62 for twin-engine redundancy, Jet-A diesel economics and modern composite construction — when unpressurised seven-seat operations fit the mission.
Pick the DA62 if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$160/hr vs $190/hr.
- More seats — 7 vs 6.
- Newer design — production from 2015 vs 1984.
Pick the Malibu if…
- Budget matters — from $257,092 vs $550,000, you save ~$292,908.
- Faster cruise — 198 kts vs 175 kts.
- Longer range — 1300 nm vs 1100 nm.
- More inventory — 275 listings vs 65.
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 DA62 or Piper Malibu?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The DA62 cruises at 175 kts with 1,100 nm range.
The Malibu cruises at 198 kts with 1,300 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Piper Malibu: from $630,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Diamond DA62 and Piper Malibu?
Seats: 7 vs 6.
Cruise: 175 vs 198 kts.
Range: 1100 vs 1300 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
DA62: about $160/hr variable cost.
Malibu: about $190/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?
DA62: 7 seats / 1,300 lb useful load.
Malibu: 6 seats / 1,200 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?
DA62: 1,800-hour TBO, overhaul ~$30,000.
Malibu: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$35,000.
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