152 vs DA20
The DA20 leads, topping 4 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the Cessna / Textron Aviation 152 (introduced 1977) beside the Diamond Aircraft DA20 (introduced 1994) and the trade-offs sharpen fast. Both are trainers, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is range, where the DA20 has the advantage. undefined
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152 vs DA20: the key differences
- The DA20 delivers 16% more range (152: 415 nm; DA20: 480 nm).
- The DA20 delivers 29% more cruise speed (152: 107 kt; DA20: 138 kt).
- The 152 and DA20 are evenly matched on passenger capacity, both at 2 seats.
- The DA20 is the newer design (introduced 1994 versus 1977 for the 152), a gap of 17 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The DA20 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (1,764 lbs versus 1,670 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 short-haul and regional hops, so outright range rarely separates them — the call leans on cabin (the 152 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 DA20 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the 152 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the DA20 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
152 vs DA20: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the 152 or the DA20?
The DA20 has the longer published range — 480 nm versus 415 nm for the 152.
Which is faster, the 152 or the DA20?
The DA20 cruises faster, at 138 kt versus 107 kt for the 152.
Which is newer, the 152 or the DA20?
The DA20 is the newer design, introduced in 1994 versus 1977 for the 152.
Is the 152 or the DA20 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the DA20 is the larger aircraft — 1,764 lbs versus 1,670 lbs for the 152.
Should I buy the 152 or the DA20?
Choose the DA20 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the 152 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the DA20 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 152 vs DA20?
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.