Piper Pilot 100i vs Diamond DA40

Live Market Snapshot

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

Piper Pilot 100i
For sale now
2
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
2
Source marketplaces
1
Model years available
2002–2021
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 Pilot 100iDiamond DA40
All events10
Serious0
Fatal3
Fatalities5
% Fatal30%

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Piper Pilot 100i Diamond DA40
Piper Pilot 100i
View 2 listings →
Median $300,000
Diamond DA40
View 81 listings →
Median $424,858
Price Range $255,000 – $345,000 $184,562 – $670,700
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 4
Horsepower 180 HP
Cruise Speed 128 kts (237 km/h) 135 kts (250 km/h)
Range 522 nm (967 km) 635 nm (1,176 km)
Service Ceiling 16,400 ft (4,999 m)
Max Gross Weight 2,550 lbs (1,157 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

Estimate

Piper Pilot 100i

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 Pilot 100i or Diamond DA40?

Pick the Pilot 100i if…

Pick the DA40 if…

  • Budget matters — from $184,562 vs $255,000, you save ~$70,438.
  • Faster cruise — 135 kts vs 128 kts.
  • Longer range — 635 nm vs 522 nm.
  • More inventory — 81 listings vs 2.

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 Pilot 100i or Diamond DA40?
It depends on your mission and budget. The Pilot 100i cruises at 128 kts with 522 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 Pilot 100i: from $250,000. 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 Pilot 100i and Diamond DA40?
Cruise: 128 vs 135 kts. Range: 522 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