152 vs DA40 NG
The DA40 NG leads, topping 6 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the Cessna / Textron Aviation 152 (introduced 1977) beside the Diamond Aircraft DA40 NG (introduced 2000) 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 DA40 NG has the advantage. undefined
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
152 vs DA40 NG: the key differences
- The DA40 NG delivers 117% more range (152: 415 nm; DA40 NG: 900 nm).
- The DA40 NG delivers 37% more cruise speed (152: 107 kt; DA40 NG: 147 kt).
- The DA40 NG delivers 100% more passenger capacity (152: 2 seats; DA40 NG: 4 seats).
- The DA40 NG is the newer design (introduced 2000 versus 1977 for the 152), a gap of 23 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The DA40 NG is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (2,535 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 DA40 NG 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 DA40 NG leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The 152 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
152 vs DA40 NG: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the 152 or the DA40 NG?
The DA40 NG has the longer published range — 900 nm versus 415 nm for the 152.
Does the 152 or DA40 NG seat more passengers?
The DA40 NG carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 4 seats, compared with 2 on the 152.
Which is faster, the 152 or the DA40 NG?
The DA40 NG cruises faster, at 147 kt versus 107 kt for the 152.
Which is newer, the 152 or the DA40 NG?
The DA40 NG is the newer design, introduced in 2000 versus 1977 for the 152.
Is the 152 or the DA40 NG the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the DA40 NG is the larger aircraft — 2,535 lbs versus 1,670 lbs for the 152.
Should I buy the 152 or the DA40 NG?
On published specifications the DA40 NG leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The 152 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 152 vs DA40 NG?
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.