Piper Cherokee 140 vs Diamond DA40
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Piper Cherokee 140 | Diamond DA40 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $20,000 – $150,000 | $149,900 – $733,701 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 150 HP | 180 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 115 kts (213 km/h) | 135 kts (250 km/h) |
| Range | 455 nm (843 km) | 635 nm (1,176 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,350 ft (4,374 m) | 16,400 ft (4,999 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,150 lbs (975 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 | $16,000 | $16,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $120 | $120 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimatePiper Cherokee 140
Fuel$50/hr
Variable$120/hr
Annual Fixed$16,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$40,000/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 Cherokee 140 or Diamond DA40?
Pick the Cherokee 140 if…
- Budget matters — from $20,000 vs $149,900, you save ~$129,900.
- More inventory — 107 listings vs 88.
Pick the DA40 if…
- Faster cruise — 135 kts vs 115 kts.
- Longer range — 635 nm vs 455 nm.
- Newer design — production from 2000 vs 1964.
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 Cherokee 140 or Diamond DA40?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Cherokee 140 cruises at 115 kts with 455 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 DA40: from $570,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Piper Cherokee 140 and Diamond DA40?
Cruise: 115 vs 135 kts.
Range: 455 vs 635 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Cherokee 140: about $120/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?
Cherokee 140: 4 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?
Cherokee 140: 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