Lockheed 12A vs Diamond DA42
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Lockheed 12A | Diamond DA42 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $1,200,000 | $489,134 – $1,162,757 |
| Category | Multi Engine Piston | Multi Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | 4 |
| Cruise Speed | 8 kts (15 km/h) | 170 kts (315 km/h) |
| Range | — | 1,050 nm (1,945 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 18,000 ft (5,486 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | — | 3,935 lbs (1,785 kg) |
| Useful Load | — | 940 lbs (426 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 50.0 gal (189 L) |
| Fuel Burn | — | 12.0 GPH (45 L/h) |
| TBO | — | 1,800 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $28,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $20,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $150 |
| Engines | 2 x Piston | 2 x Diesel |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateLockheed 12A
Diamond DA42
Fuel$66/hr
Variable$150/hr
Annual Fixed$20,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$50,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Lockheed 12A or Diamond DA42?
Pick the 12A if…
Pick the DA42 if…
- Budget matters — from $489,134 vs $1,200,000, you save ~$710,866.
- More seats — 4 vs 2.
- Faster cruise — 170 kts vs 8 kts.
- More inventory — 48 listings vs 1.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Lockheed 12A or Diamond DA42?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 12A cruises at 8 kts.
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?
Lockheed 12A: from $1,200,000.
Diamond DA42: from $607,672.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Lockheed 12A and Diamond DA42?
Seats: 2 vs 4.
Cruise: 8 vs 170 kts.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
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?
12A: 2 seats.
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?
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