Piper Saratoga vs Diamond DA62

The Piper Saratoga (six-seat single piston, ~150-165 kt) and Diamond DA62 (seven-seat twin Austro AE330 diesel, ~190 kt) are different-propulsion competitors — single vs twin, Avgas vs Jet-A diesel.

Live Market Snapshot

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

Piper Saratoga
For sale now
170
Median asking
$226,400
Range
$115,250–$495,525
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
64
Source marketplaces
15
Model years available
1965–2007
Diamond DA62
For sale now
62
Median asking
$1,401,151
Range
$1,042,000–$1,880,564
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
40
Source marketplaces
9
Model years available
2016–2026

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 SaratogaDiamond DA62
All events1
Serious0
Fatal0
Fatalities0
% Fatal0%

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Piper Saratoga Diamond DA62
Piper Saratoga
View 171 listings →
Median $226,400
Diamond DA62
View 62 listings →
Median $1,401,151
Price Range $115,250 – $495,525 $1,042,000 – $1,880,564
Category Single Engine Piston Multi Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 6 7
Horsepower 300 HP
Cruise Speed 163 kts (302 km/h) 175 kts (324 km/h)
Range 950 nm (1,759 km) 1,100 nm (2,037 km)
Service Ceiling 20,000 ft (6,096 m) 20,000 ft (6,096 m)
Max Gross Weight 3,600 lbs (1,633 kg) 5,070 lbs (2,300 kg)
Useful Load 1,360 lbs (617 kg) 1,300 lbs (590 kg)
Fuel Capacity 102.0 gal (386 L) 79.0 gal (299 L)
Fuel Burn 15.0 GPH (57 L/h) 14.0 GPH (53 L/h)
TBO 2,000 hrs 1,800 hrs
Overhaul Cost $32,000 $30,000
Annual Fixed $20,000 $22,000
Hourly Variable $170 $160
Engines 1 x Piston 2 x Diesel

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Piper Saratoga

Fuel$82/hr
Variable$170/hr
Annual Fixed$20,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $54,000/yr

Diamond DA62

Fuel$77/hr
Variable$160/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $54,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Piper Saratoga or Diamond DA62?

Bottom line: Choose the DA62 for twin-engine redundancy, modern composite seven-seat cabin and Jet-A diesel economics. Choose the Saratoga for single-engine economics, the lower acquisition cost and the simpler Piper systems.

Pick the Saratoga if…

  • Budget matters — from $115,250 vs $1,042,000, you save ~$926,750.
  • More inventory — 171 listings vs 62.

Pick the DA62 if…

  • Lower operating cost — ~$160/hr vs $170/hr.
  • More seats — 7 vs 6.
  • Faster cruise — 175 kts vs 163 kts.
  • Longer range — 1100 nm vs 950 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 2015 vs 1980.

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 Saratoga or Diamond DA62?
It depends on your mission and budget. The Saratoga cruises at 163 kts with 950 nm range. The DA62 cruises at 175 kts with 1,100 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Piper Saratoga and Diamond DA62?
Seats: 6 vs 7. Cruise: 163 vs 175 kts. Range: 950 vs 1100 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Saratoga: about $170/hr variable cost. DA62: about $160/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?
Saratoga: 6 seats / 1,360 lb useful load. DA62: 7 seats / 1,300 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?
Saratoga: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$32,000. DA62: 1,800-hour TBO, overhaul ~$30,000. 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