Piper Arrow vs Diamond DA40
The Diamond DA40 (composite fixed-gear, ~150 kt, factory G1000 NXi) and Piper Arrow (aluminium retractable, ~135-140 kt) are different generations of four-seater — the DA40 is the modern composite; the Arrow is the classic complex retractable.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Piper Arrow | Diamond DA40 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $44,950 – $429,460 | $149,900 – $731,682 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 200 HP | 180 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 135 kts (250 km/h) | 135 kts (250 km/h) |
| Range | 720 nm (1,333 km) | 635 nm (1,176 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 15,400 ft (4,694 m) | 16,400 ft (4,999 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,750 lbs (1,247 kg) | 2,535 lbs (1,150 kg) |
| Useful Load | 940 lbs (426 kg) | 780 lbs (354 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 72.0 gal (273 L) | 40.0 gal (151 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 10.5 GPH (40 L/h) | 9.5 GPH (36 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $30,000 | $25,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $18,000 | $16,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $145 | $120 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimatePiper Arrow
Fuel$58/hr
Variable$145/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$47,000/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: Piper Arrow or Diamond DA40?
Bottom line: Choose the DA40 for modern composite construction, Garmin glass and the youngest active fleet at higher cruise on fixed gear. Choose the Arrow only for the cheapest entry into a retractable single — primarily as a complex-rating trainer.
Pick the Arrow if…
- Budget matters — from $44,950 vs $149,900, you save ~$104,950.
- Longer range — 720 nm vs 635 nm.
- More inventory — 192 listings vs 91.
Pick the DA40 if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$120/hr vs $145/hr.
- Newer design — production from 2000 vs 1967.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Piper Arrow or Diamond DA40?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Arrow cruises at 135 kts with 720 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?
Piper Arrow: from $110,000.
Diamond DA40: from $499,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Piper Arrow and Diamond DA40?
Cruise: 135 vs 135 kts.
Range: 720 vs 635 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Arrow: about $145/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?
Arrow: 4 seats / 940 lb useful load.
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?
Arrow: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$30,000.
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