Tecnam P2006T vs Diamond DA42

The Tecnam P2006T and Diamond DA42 Twin Star are the two modern light twins — both economical twin-engine four-seaters, the P2006T petrol/Rotax and very light, the DA42 diesel and composite.

Live Market Snapshot

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

Tecnam P2006T
For sale now
8
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
2
Source marketplaces
3
Model years available
2007–2027
Diamond DA42
For sale now
46
Median asking
$699,900
Range
$520,774–$1,100,160
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
20
Source marketplaces
7
Model years available
2005–2026

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)Tecnam P2006TDiamond DA42
All events37
Serious01
Fatal00
Fatalities00
% Fatal0%0%

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Tecnam P2006T Diamond DA42
Tecnam P2006T
View 8 listings →
Median $530,000
Diamond DA42
View 44 listings →
Median $699,900
Price Range $295,740 – $665,900 $520,774 – $1,100,160
Category Multi Engine Piston Multi Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 4
Cruise Speed 140 kts (259 km/h) 170 kts (315 km/h)
Range 742 nm (1,374 km) 1,050 nm (1,945 km)
Service Ceiling 18,000 ft (5,486 m)
Max Gross Weight 2,712 lbs (1,230 kg) 3,935 lbs (1,785 kg)
Useful Load 940 lbs (426 kg)
Fuel Capacity 50.0 gal (189 L)
Fuel Burn 12.0 GPH (45 L/h)
TBO 1,800 hrs
Overhaul Cost $28,000
Annual Fixed $20,000
Hourly Variable $150
Engines 2 x Diesel

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Tecnam P2006T

Diamond DA42

Fuel$66/hr
Variable$150/hr
Annual Fixed$20,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $50,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Tecnam P2006T or Diamond DA42?

Bottom line: Choose the P2006T for the lowest-cost twin to buy and operate (Rotax economy, retractable, very light) — the cheapest way into a modern twin; choose the DA42 for diesel range/efficiency, composite build and a stronger multi-engine-training pedigree. P2006T = lowest-cost twin; DA42 = diesel/range/pedigree.

Pick the P2006T if…

  • Budget matters — from $295,740 vs $520,774, you save ~$225,034.
  • Newer design — production from 2010 vs 2004.

Pick the DA42 if…

  • Faster cruise — 170 kts vs 140 kts.
  • Longer range — 1050 nm vs 742 nm.
  • More inventory — 44 listings vs 8.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Tecnam P2006T or Diamond DA42?
It depends on your mission and budget. The P2006T cruises at 140 kts with 742 nm range. The DA42 cruises at 170 kts with 1,050 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Diamond DA42: from $568,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Tecnam P2006T and Diamond DA42?
Cruise: 140 vs 170 kts. Range: 742 vs 1050 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
DA42: about $150/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?
DA42: 4 seats / 940 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?
DA42: 1,800-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