ATR 42-600 vs Dash 8 Q400
The Dash 8 Q400 leads, topping 5 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the ATR ATR 42-600 (introduced 2012) beside the De Havilland Canada Dash 8 Q400 (introduced 2000) and the trade-offs sharpen fast. Both are regional, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is cabin capacity, where the Dash 8 Q400 carries more passengers. The spec-by-spec breakdown below is followed by a mission-fit read and a buyer's recommendation.
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
ATR 42-600 vs Dash 8 Q400: the key differences
- The Dash 8 Q400 delivers 73% more range (ATR 42-600: 900 nm; Dash 8 Q400: 1,556 nm).
- The Dash 8 Q400 delivers 20% more cruise speed (ATR 42-600: 300 kt; Dash 8 Q400: 360 kt).
- The Dash 8 Q400 delivers 80% more passenger capacity (ATR 42-600: 50 seats; Dash 8 Q400: 90 seats).
- The ATR 42-600 is the newer design (introduced 2012 versus 2000 for the Dash 8 Q400), a gap of 12 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The Dash 8 Q400 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (64,904 lbs versus 41,226 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
Which mission suits which aircraft
The Dash 8 Q400 is the stronger fit for regional and short-to-medium legs — its 1,556 nm of range removes fuel stops on those legs. The ATR 42-600, at 900 nm, is better matched to short-haul and regional hops, where lower trip cost counts for more than outright reach. If most of your flying sits inside the ATR 42-600's range, the Dash 8 Q400's extra capability is range you pay to carry but rarely use.
Which should you choose?
On published specifications the Dash 8 Q400 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The ATR 42-600 can still be the smarter buy on acquisition cost, operating economics, runway performance, or current availability — the factors that rarely show up in a spec sheet. Our acquisition advisory team can model both against your actual mission profile before you commit.
More comparisons
ATR 42-600 vs Dash 8 Q400: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the ATR 42-600 or the Dash 8 Q400?
The Dash 8 Q400 has the longer published range — 1,556 nm versus 900 nm for the ATR 42-600.
Does the ATR 42-600 or Dash 8 Q400 seat more passengers?
The Dash 8 Q400 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 90 seats, compared with 50 on the ATR 42-600.
Which is faster, the ATR 42-600 or the Dash 8 Q400?
The Dash 8 Q400 cruises faster, at 360 kt versus 300 kt for the ATR 42-600.
Which is newer, the ATR 42-600 or the Dash 8 Q400?
The ATR 42-600 is the newer design, introduced in 2012 versus 2000 for the Dash 8 Q400.
Is the ATR 42-600 or the Dash 8 Q400 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the Dash 8 Q400 is the larger aircraft — 64,904 lbs versus 41,226 lbs for the ATR 42-600.
Should I buy the ATR 42-600 or the Dash 8 Q400?
On published specifications the Dash 8 Q400 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The ATR 42-600 can still be the smarter buy on acquisition cost, operating economics, runway performance, or current availability — the factors that rarely show up in a spec sheet. Our acquisition advisory team can model both against your actual mission profile before you commit.
Still weighing up the ATR 42-600 vs Dash 8 Q400?
Specs only take you so far. Our advisors give an independent recommendation based on your mission, budget and how you actually fly — and represent your side through to purchase.