Diamond DA40 vs Piper Cherokee

The Piper Cherokee PA-28 (aluminium low-wing, ~115-125 kt) and Diamond DA40 (composite low-wing, ~150 kt) are different generations of four-seat trainers/touring singles — the Cherokee is the 1960s-2000s classic; the DA40 is the modern composite.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily

Diamond DA40
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
Piper Cherokee
For sale now
602
Median asking
$116,400
Range
$59,948–$277,250
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
164
Source marketplaces
23
Model years available
1961–2026

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)Diamond DA40Piper Cherokee
All events101
Serious00
Fatal30
Fatalities50
% Fatal30%0%
View full Diamond DA40 NTSB record →View full Piper Cherokee NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Diamond DA40 Piper Cherokee
Diamond DA40
View 81 listings →
Median $424,858
 Piper Cherokee
View 630 listings →
Median $116,400
Price Range $184,562 – $670,700 $59,948 – $277,250
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 4 4
Horsepower 180 HP 150 HP
Cruise Speed 135 kts (250 km/h) 117 kts (217 km/h)
Range 635 nm (1,176 km) 525 nm (972 km)
Service Ceiling 16,400 ft (4,999 m) 14,300 ft (4,359 m)
Max Gross Weight 2,535 lbs (1,150 kg) 2,150 lbs (975 kg)
Useful Load 780 lbs (354 kg) 850 lbs (386 kg)
Fuel Capacity 40.0 gal (151 L) 50.0 gal (189 L)
Fuel Burn 9.5 GPH (36 L/h) 8.0 GPH (30 L/h)
TBO 2,000 hrs 2,000 hrs
Overhaul Cost $25,000 $28,000
Annual Fixed $16,000 $16,000
Hourly Variable $120 $120
Engines 1 x Piston 1 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Diamond DA40

Fuel$52/hr
Variable$120/hr
Annual Fixed$16,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $40,000/yr

Piper Cherokee

Fuel$44/hr
Variable$120/hr
Annual Fixed$16,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $40,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Diamond DA40 or Piper Cherokee?

Bottom line: Choose the DA40 for modern composite construction, factory Garmin G1000 NXi, benign Diamond handling and the youngest active four-seat single fleet — at higher acquisition cost. Choose the Cherokee for lower acquisition cost, simpler aluminium maintenance and the broadest Piper support network.

Pick the DA40 if…

  • Faster cruise — 135 kts vs 117 kts.
  • Longer range — 635 nm vs 525 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 2000 vs 1961.

Pick the Cherokee if…

  • Budget matters — from $59,948 vs $184,562, you save ~$124,614.
  • More inventory — 630 listings vs 81.

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Diamond DA40 or Piper Cherokee?
It depends on your mission and budget. The DA40 cruises at 135 kts with 635 nm range. The Cherokee cruises at 117 kts with 525 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Diamond DA40: from $580,000. Piper Cherokee: from $58,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Diamond DA40 and Piper Cherokee?
Cruise: 135 vs 117 kts. Range: 635 vs 525 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
DA40: about $120/hr variable cost. Cherokee: 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?
DA40: 4 seats / 780 lb useful load. Cherokee: 4 seats / 850 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?
DA40: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$25,000. Cherokee: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$28,000. 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