Dash 8-300 vs Embraer E170
The Embraer E170 leads, topping 5 of 7 compared metrics.
Cross-shopping the De Havilland Canada Dash 8-300 (introduced 1989) against the Embraer Executive Jets Embraer E170 (introduced 2004) is a common decision, and the two sit closer on paper than the badges suggest. Both are regional, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is range, where the Embraer E170 has the advantage. undefined
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Dash 8-300 vs Embraer E170: the key differences
- The Embraer E170 delivers 163% more range (Dash 8-300: 800 nm; Embraer E170: 2,100 nm).
- The Embraer E170 delivers 56% more cruise speed (Dash 8-300: 287 kt; Embraer E170: 447 kt).
- The Embraer E170 delivers 43% more passenger capacity (Dash 8-300: 56 seats; Embraer E170: 80 seats).
- The Embraer E170 is the newer design (introduced 2004 versus 1989 for the Dash 8-300), a gap of 15 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The Embraer E170 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (82,012 lbs versus 43,000 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
Which mission suits which aircraft
The Embraer E170 is the stronger fit for transcontinental missions — its 2,100 nm of range removes fuel stops on those legs. The Dash 8-300, at 800 nm, is better matched to short-haul and regional hops, where lower trip cost counts for more than outright reach. If most of your flying sits inside the Dash 8-300's range, the Embraer E170's extra capability is range you pay to carry but rarely use.
Which should you choose?
On published specifications the Embraer E170 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The Dash 8-300 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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Dash 8-300 vs Embraer E170: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the Dash 8-300 or the Embraer E170?
The Embraer E170 has the longer published range — 2,100 nm versus 800 nm for the Dash 8-300.
Does the Dash 8-300 or Embraer E170 seat more passengers?
The Embraer E170 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 80 seats, compared with 56 on the Dash 8-300.
Which is faster, the Dash 8-300 or the Embraer E170?
The Embraer E170 cruises faster, at 447 kt versus 287 kt for the Dash 8-300.
Which is newer, the Dash 8-300 or the Embraer E170?
The Embraer E170 is the newer design, introduced in 2004 versus 1989 for the Dash 8-300.
Is the Dash 8-300 or the Embraer E170 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the Embraer E170 is the larger aircraft — 82,012 lbs versus 43,000 lbs for the Dash 8-300.
Should I buy the Dash 8-300 or the Embraer E170?
On published specifications the Embraer E170 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The Dash 8-300 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 Dash 8-300 vs Embraer E170?
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.