CRJ700 vs Dash 8-300
The CRJ700 leads, topping 5 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the Bombardier Aviation CRJ700 (introduced 2001) beside the De Havilland Canada Dash 8-300 (introduced 1989) and the trade-offs sharpen fast. Both are regional, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is range, where the CRJ700 has the advantage. Below we compare them spec by spec, then break down which aircraft suits which mission.
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
CRJ700 vs Dash 8-300: the key differences
- The CRJ700 delivers 72% more range (CRJ700: 1,378 nm; Dash 8-300: 800 nm).
- The CRJ700 delivers 65% more cruise speed (CRJ700: 473 kt; Dash 8-300: 287 kt).
- The CRJ700 delivers 39% more passenger capacity (CRJ700: 78 seats; Dash 8-300: 56 seats).
- The CRJ700 is the newer design (introduced 2001 versus 1989 for the Dash 8-300), a gap of 12 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The CRJ700 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (75,000 lbs versus 43,000 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
Which mission suits which aircraft
The CRJ700 is the stronger fit for regional and short-to-medium legs — its 1,378 nm of range removes fuel stops on those legs. The Dash 8-300, at 800 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 Dash 8-300's range, the CRJ700's extra capability is range you pay to carry but rarely use.
Which should you choose?
On published specifications the CRJ700 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The Dash 8-300 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
CRJ700 vs Dash 8-300: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the CRJ700 or the Dash 8-300?
The CRJ700 has the longer published range — 1,378 nm versus 800 nm for the Dash 8-300.
Does the CRJ700 or Dash 8-300 seat more passengers?
The CRJ700 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 78 seats, compared with 56 on the Dash 8-300.
Which is faster, the CRJ700 or the Dash 8-300?
The CRJ700 cruises faster, at 473 kt versus 287 kt for the Dash 8-300.
Which is newer, the CRJ700 or the Dash 8-300?
The CRJ700 is the newer design, introduced in 2001 versus 1989 for the Dash 8-300.
Is the CRJ700 or the Dash 8-300 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the CRJ700 is the larger aircraft — 75,000 lbs versus 43,000 lbs for the Dash 8-300.
Should I buy the CRJ700 or the Dash 8-300?
On published specifications the CRJ700 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The Dash 8-300 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 CRJ700 vs Dash 8-300?
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.