Cessna 152 vs Diamond DA40
The Cessna 150/152 (two-seat trainer) / 172 (four-seat trainer) / 182 (four-seat hauler) and Diamond DA40 (four-seat composite, ~150 kt, factory G1000 NXi) are different generations of training/touring singles — the Cessnas are the aluminium classics; the DA40 is the modern composite.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
- For sale now
- 59
- Median asking
- $70,000
- Range
- $45,545–$117,000
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 19
- Source marketplaces
- 11
- Model years available
- 1977–1983
- For sale now
- 85
- Median asking
- $424,858
- Range
- $184,562–$670,700
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 39
- Source marketplaces
- 10
- Model years available
- 2000–2026
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
Safety Record
Absolute counts scale with fleet size — the most-produced types log more events without being less safe. Compare the % fatal.
| NTSB (1982–now) | Cessna 152 | Diamond DA40 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 2435 | 10 |
| Serious | 130 | 0 |
| Fatal | 255 | 3 |
| Fatalities | 386 | 5 |
| % Fatal | 10% | 30% |
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Cessna 152 | Diamond DA40 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $45,545 – $117,000 | $184,562 – $670,700 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 110 HP | 180 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 100 kts (185 km/h) | 135 kts (250 km/h) |
| Range | 415 nm (769 km) | 635 nm (1,176 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,700 ft (4,481 m) | 16,400 ft (4,999 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 1,670 lbs (758 kg) | 2,535 lbs (1,150 kg) |
| Useful Load | 528 lbs (240 kg) | 780 lbs (354 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 26.0 gal (98 L) | 40.0 gal (151 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 6.1 GPH (23 L/h) | 9.5 GPH (36 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,400 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $22,000 | $25,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $15,000 | $16,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $100 | $120 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 152
Diamond DA40
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 152 or Diamond DA40?
Bottom line: Choose the Cessna for the largest support network, proven aluminium economics and the cheapest entry. Choose the DA40 for modern composite construction, factory Garmin G1000 NXi, benign handling and the youngest active fleet — when modern features and Garmin glass are worth the higher acquisition cost.
Pick the 152 if…
- Budget matters — from $45,545 vs $184,562, you save ~$139,017.
- Lower operating cost — ~$100/hr vs $120/hr.
Pick the DA40 if…
- More seats — 4 vs 2.
- Faster cruise — 135 kts vs 100 kts.
- Longer range — 635 nm vs 415 nm.
- Newer design — production from 2000 vs 1977.
- More inventory — 81 listings vs 59.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.