CRJ900 vs Dash 8 Q400
The CRJ900 leads, topping 3 of 7 compared metrics.
The Bombardier Aviation CRJ900 (introduced 2003) 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. On paper they are closely matched, so the decision usually turns on cabin, economics and availability. 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.
CRJ900 vs Dash 8 Q400: the key differences
- The Dash 8 Q400 delivers 0% more range (CRJ900: 1,550 nm; Dash 8 Q400: 1,556 nm).
- The CRJ900 delivers 31% more cruise speed (CRJ900: 470 kt; Dash 8 Q400: 360 kt).
- The CRJ900 and Dash 8 Q400 are evenly matched on passenger capacity, both at 90 seats.
- The CRJ900 is the newer design (introduced 2003 versus 2000 for the Dash 8 Q400), a gap of 3 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The CRJ900 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (84,500 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 CRJ900 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?
Choose the Dash 8 Q400 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the CRJ900 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the CRJ900 holds the cruise-speed edge. The right answer ultimately depends on acquisition cost, maintenance-program status, and what is actually available on the market — talk to our acquisition advisory team to pressure-test the choice against your missions and budget.
More comparisons
CRJ900 vs Dash 8 Q400: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the CRJ900 or the Dash 8 Q400?
The Dash 8 Q400 has the longer published range — 1,556 nm versus 1,550 nm for the CRJ900.
Which is faster, the CRJ900 or the Dash 8 Q400?
The CRJ900 cruises faster, at 470 kt versus 360 kt for the Dash 8 Q400.
Which is newer, the CRJ900 or the Dash 8 Q400?
The CRJ900 is the newer design, introduced in 2003 versus 2000 for the Dash 8 Q400.
Is the CRJ900 or the Dash 8 Q400 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the CRJ900 is the larger aircraft — 84,500 lbs versus 64,904 lbs for the Dash 8 Q400.
Should I buy the CRJ900 or the Dash 8 Q400?
Choose the Dash 8 Q400 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the CRJ900 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the CRJ900 holds the cruise-speed edge. The right answer ultimately depends on acquisition cost, maintenance-program status, and what is actually available on the market — talk to our acquisition advisory team to pressure-test the choice against your missions and budget.
Still weighing up the CRJ900 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.