172 Skyhawk vs DA20
The 172 Skyhawk leads, topping 4 of 7 compared metrics.
The Cessna / Textron Aviation 172 Skyhawk (introduced 1955) and the Diamond Aircraft DA20 (introduced 1994) are two aircraft buyers regularly weigh against each other. Both are trainers, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is cabin capacity, where the 172 Skyhawk carries more passengers. The spec-by-spec breakdown below is followed by a mission-fit read and a buyer's recommendation.
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
172 Skyhawk vs DA20: the key differences
- The 172 Skyhawk delivers 45% more range (172 Skyhawk: 696 nm; DA20: 480 nm).
- The DA20 delivers 13% more cruise speed (172 Skyhawk: 122 kt; DA20: 138 kt).
- The 172 Skyhawk delivers 100% more passenger capacity (172 Skyhawk: 4 seats; DA20: 2 seats).
- The DA20 is the newer design (introduced 1994 versus 1955 for the 172 Skyhawk), a gap of 39 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The 172 Skyhawk is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (2,550 lbs versus 1,764 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 172 Skyhawk 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 172 Skyhawk leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The DA20 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.
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172 Skyhawk vs DA20: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the 172 Skyhawk or the DA20?
The 172 Skyhawk has the longer published range — 696 nm versus 480 nm for the DA20.
Does the 172 Skyhawk or DA20 seat more passengers?
The 172 Skyhawk carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 4 seats, compared with 2 on the DA20.
Which is faster, the 172 Skyhawk or the DA20?
The DA20 cruises faster, at 138 kt versus 122 kt for the 172 Skyhawk.
Which is newer, the 172 Skyhawk or the DA20?
The DA20 is the newer design, introduced in 1994 versus 1955 for the 172 Skyhawk.
Is the 172 Skyhawk or the DA20 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the 172 Skyhawk is the larger aircraft — 2,550 lbs versus 1,764 lbs for the DA20.
Should I buy the 172 Skyhawk or the DA20?
On published specifications the 172 Skyhawk leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The DA20 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 172 Skyhawk 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.