172 Skyhawk vs DA40 NG
The DA40 NG leads, topping 4 of 7 compared metrics.
The Cessna / Textron Aviation 172 Skyhawk (introduced 1955) and the Diamond Aircraft DA40 NG (introduced 2000) 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 range, where the DA40 NG has the advantage. 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.
172 Skyhawk vs DA40 NG: the key differences
- The DA40 NG delivers 29% more range (172 Skyhawk: 696 nm; DA40 NG: 900 nm).
- The DA40 NG delivers 20% more cruise speed (172 Skyhawk: 122 kt; DA40 NG: 147 kt).
- The 172 Skyhawk and DA40 NG are evenly matched on passenger capacity, both at 4 seats.
- The DA40 NG is the newer design (introduced 2000 versus 1955 for the 172 Skyhawk), a gap of 45 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 2,535 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?
Choose the DA40 NG when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the 172 Skyhawk when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the DA40 NG 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
172 Skyhawk vs DA40 NG: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the 172 Skyhawk or the DA40 NG?
The DA40 NG has the longer published range — 900 nm versus 696 nm for the 172 Skyhawk.
Which is faster, the 172 Skyhawk or the DA40 NG?
The DA40 NG cruises faster, at 147 kt versus 122 kt for the 172 Skyhawk.
Which is newer, the 172 Skyhawk or the DA40 NG?
The DA40 NG is the newer design, introduced in 2000 versus 1955 for the 172 Skyhawk.
Is the 172 Skyhawk or the DA40 NG the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the 172 Skyhawk is the larger aircraft — 2,550 lbs versus 2,535 lbs for the DA40 NG.
Should I buy the 172 Skyhawk or the DA40 NG?
Choose the DA40 NG when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the 172 Skyhawk when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the DA40 NG 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 172 Skyhawk 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.