Diamond DA40 vs Piper Arrow
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.
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
- 196
- Median asking
- $134,945
- Range
- $79,053–$243,250
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 71
- Source marketplaces
- 15
- Model years available
- 1967–2015
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) | Diamond DA40 | Piper Arrow |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 10 | — |
| Serious | 0 | — |
| Fatal | 3 | — |
| Fatalities | 5 | — |
| % Fatal | 30% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Diamond DA40 | Piper Arrow |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $184,562 – $670,700 | $79,053 – $243,250 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 180 HP | 200 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 135 kts (250 km/h) | 135 kts (250 km/h) |
| Range | 635 nm (1,176 km) | 720 nm (1,333 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 16,400 ft (4,999 m) | 15,400 ft (4,694 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,535 lbs (1,150 kg) | 2,750 lbs (1,247 kg) |
| Useful Load | 780 lbs (354 kg) | 940 lbs (426 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 40.0 gal (151 L) | 72.0 gal (273 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 9.5 GPH (36 L/h) | 10.5 GPH (40 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $25,000 | $30,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $16,000 | $18,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $120 | $145 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateDiamond DA40
Piper Arrow
Which Should You Buy: Diamond DA40 or Piper Arrow?
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 DA40 if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$120/hr vs $145/hr.
- Newer design — production from 2000 vs 1967.
Pick the Arrow if…
- Budget matters — from $79,053 vs $184,562, you save ~$105,509.
- Longer range — 720 nm vs 635 nm.
- More inventory — 194 listings vs 81.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.