Dash 8-300 vs ERJ-145
The ERJ-145 leads, topping 4 of 7 compared metrics.
The De Havilland Canada Dash 8-300 (introduced 1989) and the Embraer Executive Jets ERJ-145 (introduced 1996) 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 ERJ-145 has the advantage. We line the numbers up below, then translate them into the mission each aircraft actually wins.
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Dash 8-300 vs ERJ-145: the key differences
- The ERJ-145 delivers 94% more range (Dash 8-300: 800 nm; ERJ-145: 1,550 nm).
- The ERJ-145 delivers 57% more cruise speed (Dash 8-300: 287 kt; ERJ-145: 450 kt).
- The Dash 8-300 delivers 12% more passenger capacity (Dash 8-300: 56 seats; ERJ-145: 50 seats).
- The ERJ-145 is the newer design (introduced 1996 versus 1989 for the Dash 8-300), a gap of 7 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The ERJ-145 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (48,501 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 ERJ-145 is the stronger fit for regional and short-to-medium legs — its 1,550 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 ERJ-145's extra capability is range you pay to carry but rarely use.
Which should you choose?
Choose the ERJ-145 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the Dash 8-300 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the ERJ-145 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.
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Dash 8-300 vs ERJ-145: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the Dash 8-300 or the ERJ-145?
The ERJ-145 has the longer published range — 1,550 nm versus 800 nm for the Dash 8-300.
Does the Dash 8-300 or ERJ-145 seat more passengers?
The Dash 8-300 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 56 seats, compared with 50 on the ERJ-145.
Which is faster, the Dash 8-300 or the ERJ-145?
The ERJ-145 cruises faster, at 450 kt versus 287 kt for the Dash 8-300.
Which is newer, the Dash 8-300 or the ERJ-145?
The ERJ-145 is the newer design, introduced in 1996 versus 1989 for the Dash 8-300.
Is the Dash 8-300 or the ERJ-145 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the ERJ-145 is the larger aircraft — 48,501 lbs versus 43,000 lbs for the Dash 8-300.
Should I buy the Dash 8-300 or the ERJ-145?
Choose the ERJ-145 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the Dash 8-300 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the ERJ-145 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 Dash 8-300 vs ERJ-145?
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.