CRJ700 vs Dash 8 Q400
The CRJ700 leads, topping 3 of 7 compared metrics.
The Bombardier Aviation CRJ700 (introduced 2001) and the De Havilland Canada Dash 8 Q400 (introduced 2000) are two aircraft buyers regularly weigh against each other. 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. undefined
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CRJ700 vs Dash 8 Q400: the key differences
- The Dash 8 Q400 delivers 13% more range (CRJ700: 1,378 nm; Dash 8 Q400: 1,556 nm).
- The CRJ700 delivers 31% more cruise speed (CRJ700: 473 kt; Dash 8 Q400: 360 kt).
- The Dash 8 Q400 delivers 15% more passenger capacity (CRJ700: 78 seats; Dash 8 Q400: 90 seats).
- The CRJ700 is the newer design (introduced 2001 versus 2000 for the Dash 8 Q400), a gap of 1 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 64,904 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
Which mission suits which aircraft
Both aircraft are built for regional and short-to-medium legs, so outright range rarely separates them — the call leans on cabin (the Dash 8 Q400 seats more), trip economics and what is actually available on the market. Match the airframe to how you fly most weeks, not to the headline range figure.
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 CRJ700 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 Q400: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the CRJ700 or the Dash 8 Q400?
The Dash 8 Q400 has the longer published range — 1,556 nm versus 1,378 nm for the CRJ700.
Does the CRJ700 or Dash 8 Q400 seat more passengers?
The Dash 8 Q400 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 90 seats, compared with 78 on the CRJ700.
Which is faster, the CRJ700 or the Dash 8 Q400?
The CRJ700 cruises faster, at 473 kt versus 360 kt for the Dash 8 Q400.
Which is newer, the CRJ700 or the Dash 8 Q400?
The CRJ700 is the newer design, introduced in 2001 versus 2000 for the Dash 8 Q400.
Is the CRJ700 or the Dash 8 Q400 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the CRJ700 is the larger aircraft — 75,000 lbs versus 64,904 lbs for the Dash 8 Q400.
Should I buy the CRJ700 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 CRJ700 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 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.