ARJ21-700 vs Dash 8 Q400
The ARJ21-700 leads, topping 6 of 7 compared metrics.
The COMAC ARJ21-700 (introduced 2016) and the De Havilland Canada Dash 8 Q400 (introduced 2000) are two aircraft buyers regularly weigh against each other. Both are regional, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is range, where the ARJ21-700 has the advantage. undefined
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
ARJ21-700 vs Dash 8 Q400: the key differences
- The ARJ21-700 delivers 43% more range (ARJ21-700: 2,225 nm; Dash 8 Q400: 1,556 nm).
- The ARJ21-700 delivers 17% more cruise speed (ARJ21-700: 422 kt; Dash 8 Q400: 360 kt).
- The ARJ21-700 and Dash 8 Q400 are evenly matched on passenger capacity, both at 90 seats.
- The ARJ21-700 is the newer design (introduced 2016 versus 2000 for the Dash 8 Q400), a gap of 16 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The ARJ21-700 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (89,947 lbs versus 64,904 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
Which mission suits which aircraft
The ARJ21-700 is the stronger fit for transcontinental missions — its 2,225 nm of range removes fuel stops on those legs. The Dash 8 Q400, at 1,556 nm, is better matched to regional and short-to-medium legs, where lower trip cost counts for more than outright reach. If most of your flying sits inside the Dash 8 Q400's range, the ARJ21-700's extra capability is range you pay to carry but rarely use.
Which should you choose?
On published specifications the ARJ21-700 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The Dash 8 Q400 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
ARJ21-700 vs Dash 8 Q400: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the ARJ21-700 or the Dash 8 Q400?
The ARJ21-700 has the longer published range — 2,225 nm versus 1,556 nm for the Dash 8 Q400.
Which is faster, the ARJ21-700 or the Dash 8 Q400?
The ARJ21-700 cruises faster, at 422 kt versus 360 kt for the Dash 8 Q400.
Which is newer, the ARJ21-700 or the Dash 8 Q400?
The ARJ21-700 is the newer design, introduced in 2016 versus 2000 for the Dash 8 Q400.
Is the ARJ21-700 or the Dash 8 Q400 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the ARJ21-700 is the larger aircraft — 89,947 lbs versus 64,904 lbs for the Dash 8 Q400.
Should I buy the ARJ21-700 or the Dash 8 Q400?
On published specifications the ARJ21-700 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The Dash 8 Q400 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 ARJ21-700 vs Dash 8 Q400?
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.