Diamond DA40 vs Cessna 172
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
- 85
- Median asking
- $424,858
- Range
- $184,562–$670,700
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 39
- Source marketplaces
- 10
- Model years available
- 2000–2026
- For sale now
- 421
- Median asking
- $134,231
- Range
- $61,563–$324,965
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 112
- Source marketplaces
- 19
- Model years available
- 1956–2028
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
Generations Breakdown
Per-generation specs — engine/weight/performance differ materially across production eras.
Per-era “For sale” counts exclude listings with unspecified year and separate variants (RG retractable, Hawk XP), so they may not sum to the total above.
Diamond DA40 — 0 generations
| Generation | Years | Engine | MTOW | Cruise | Range | For sale |
|---|
Cessna 172 — 5 generations
| Generation | Years | Engine | MTOW | Cruise | Range | For sale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 172 Continental | 1956–1967 | Continental O-300 | 2300 | 118 | 520 | 108 |
| 172 O-320 150hp | 1968–1976 | Lycoming O-320-E2D | 2300 | 120 | 585 | 105 |
| 172 O-320 160hp | 1977–1986 | Lycoming O-320-H2AD/D2J | 2400 | 122 | 585 | 89 |
| 172R | 1996–2007 | IO-360-L2A | 2450 | 120 | 520 | 19 |
| 172S | 1998–now | IO-360-L2A | 2550 | 124 | 518 | 40 |
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) | Diamond DA40 | Cessna 172 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 10 | 6810 |
| Serious | 0 | 542 |
| Fatal | 3 | 960 |
| Fatalities | 5 | 1802 |
| % Fatal | 30% | 14% |
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Diamond DA40 | Cessna 172 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $184,562 – $670,700 | $61,563 – $324,965 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 180 HP | 145–180 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 135 kts (250 km/h) | 118–124 kts (230 km/h) |
| Range | 635 nm (1,176 km) | 518–585 nm (1,083 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 16,400 ft (4,999 m) | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,535 lbs (1,150 kg) | 2300–2,550 lbs (1,157 kg) |
| Useful Load | 780 lbs (354 kg) | 878 lbs (398 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 40.0 gal (151 L) | 56.0 gal (212 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 9.5 GPH (36 L/h) | 8.6 GPH (33 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 1,400 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $25,000 | $30,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $16,000 | $18,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $120 | $130 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateDiamond DA40
Cessna 172
Which Should You Buy: Diamond DA40 or Cessna 172?
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 DA40 if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$120/hr vs $130/hr.
- Faster cruise — 135 kts vs 118 kts.
- Longer range — 635 nm vs 518 nm.
- Newer design — production from 2000 vs 1956.
Pick the 172 if…
- Budget matters — from $61,563 vs $184,562, you save ~$122,999.
- More inventory — 428 listings vs 81.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.