Dash 8-300 vs E175-E2
The E175-E2 leads, topping 5 of 7 compared metrics.
Cross-shopping the De Havilland Canada Dash 8-300 (introduced 1989) against the Embraer Executive Jets E175-E2 (introduced 2024) 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 E175-E2 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.
Dash 8-300 vs E175-E2: the key differences
- The E175-E2 delivers 158% more range (Dash 8-300: 800 nm; E175-E2: 2,060 nm).
- The E175-E2 delivers 64% more cruise speed (Dash 8-300: 287 kt; E175-E2: 470 kt).
- The E175-E2 delivers 61% more passenger capacity (Dash 8-300: 56 seats; E175-E2: 90 seats).
- The E175-E2 is the newer design (introduced 2024 versus 1989 for the Dash 8-300), a gap of 35 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The E175-E2 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (98,768 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 E175-E2 is the stronger fit for transcontinental missions — its 2,060 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 E175-E2's extra capability is range you pay to carry but rarely use.
Which should you choose?
On published specifications the E175-E2 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 E175-E2: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the Dash 8-300 or the E175-E2?
The E175-E2 has the longer published range — 2,060 nm versus 800 nm for the Dash 8-300.
Does the Dash 8-300 or E175-E2 seat more passengers?
The E175-E2 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 90 seats, compared with 56 on the Dash 8-300.
Which is faster, the Dash 8-300 or the E175-E2?
The E175-E2 cruises faster, at 470 kt versus 287 kt for the Dash 8-300.
Which is newer, the Dash 8-300 or the E175-E2?
The E175-E2 is the newer design, introduced in 2024 versus 1989 for the Dash 8-300.
Is the Dash 8-300 or the E175-E2 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the E175-E2 is the larger aircraft — 98,768 lbs versus 43,000 lbs for the Dash 8-300.
Should I buy the Dash 8-300 or the E175-E2?
On published specifications the E175-E2 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 E175-E2?
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.