Piper Dakota vs Diamond DA40
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Piper Dakota
- For sale now
- 20
- Median asking
- $185,000
- Range
- $138,500–$301,040
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 5
- Source marketplaces
- 7
- Model years available
- 1978–1994
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
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) | Piper Dakota | Diamond DA40 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | — | 10 |
| Serious | — | 0 |
| Fatal | — | 3 |
| Fatalities | — | 5 |
| % Fatal | — | 30% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Piper Dakota | Diamond DA40 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $138,500 – $301,040 | $184,562 – $670,700 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | — | 4 |
| Horsepower | — | 180 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 143 kts (265 km/h) | 135 kts (250 km/h) |
| Range | 650 nm (1,204 km) | 635 nm (1,176 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 16,400 ft (4,999 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,000 lbs (1,361 kg) | 2,535 lbs (1,150 kg) |
| Useful Load | — | 780 lbs (354 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 40.0 gal (151 L) |
| Fuel Burn | — | 9.5 GPH (36 L/h) |
| TBO | — | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $25,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $16,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $120 |
| Engines | — | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimatePiper Dakota
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 Dakota or Diamond DA40?
Pick the Dakota if…
- Budget matters — from $138,500 vs $184,562, you save ~$46,062.
- Faster cruise — 143 kts vs 135 kts.
- Longer range — 650 nm vs 635 nm.
Pick the DA40 if…
- More inventory — 81 listings vs 21.
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 Dakota or Diamond DA40?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Dakota cruises at 143 kts with 650 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?
Piper Dakota: from $149,000.
Diamond DA40: from $580,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Piper Dakota and Diamond DA40?
Cruise: 143 vs 135 kts.
Range: 650 vs 635 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
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?
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?
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