162 Skycatcher vs DA40 NG
The DA40 NG leads, topping 6 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the Cessna / Textron Aviation 162 Skycatcher (introduced 2010) 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 cabin capacity, where the DA40 NG carries more passengers. We line the numbers up below, then translate them into the mission each aircraft actually wins.
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162 Skycatcher vs DA40 NG: the key differences
- The DA40 NG delivers 91% more range (162 Skycatcher: 470 nm; DA40 NG: 900 nm).
- The DA40 NG delivers 31% more cruise speed (162 Skycatcher: 112 kt; DA40 NG: 147 kt).
- The DA40 NG delivers 100% more passenger capacity (162 Skycatcher: 2 seats; DA40 NG: 4 seats).
- The 162 Skycatcher is the newer design (introduced 2010 versus 2000 for the DA40 NG), a gap of 10 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 1,320 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 162 Skycatcher 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
162 Skycatcher vs DA40 NG: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the 162 Skycatcher or the DA40 NG?
The DA40 NG has the longer published range — 900 nm versus 470 nm for the 162 Skycatcher.
Does the 162 Skycatcher or DA40 NG seat more passengers?
The DA40 NG carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 4 seats, compared with 2 on the 162 Skycatcher.
Which is faster, the 162 Skycatcher or the DA40 NG?
The DA40 NG cruises faster, at 147 kt versus 112 kt for the 162 Skycatcher.
Which is newer, the 162 Skycatcher or the DA40 NG?
The 162 Skycatcher is the newer design, introduced in 2010 versus 2000 for the DA40 NG.
Is the 162 Skycatcher or the DA40 NG the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the DA40 NG is the larger aircraft — 2,535 lbs versus 1,320 lbs for the 162 Skycatcher.
Should I buy the 162 Skycatcher 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 162 Skycatcher 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 162 Skycatcher 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.