Dash 8-300 vs Saab 340
The Dash 8-300 leads, topping 3 of 7 compared metrics.
Cross-shopping the De Havilland Canada Dash 8-300 (introduced 1989) against the Saab Saab 340 (introduced 1984) 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 cabin capacity, where the Dash 8-300 carries more passengers. undefined
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Dash 8-300 vs Saab 340: the key differences
- The Saab 340 delivers 17% more range (Dash 8-300: 800 nm; Saab 340: 935 nm).
- The Dash 8-300 delivers 15% more cruise speed (Dash 8-300: 287 kt; Saab 340: 250 kt).
- The Dash 8-300 delivers 60% more passenger capacity (Dash 8-300: 56 seats; Saab 340: 35 seats).
- The Dash 8-300 is the newer design (introduced 1989 versus 1984 for the Saab 340), a gap of 5 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The Dash 8-300 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (43,000 lbs versus 29,000 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 Dash 8-300 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 Saab 340 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the Dash 8-300 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the Dash 8-300 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 Saab 340: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the Dash 8-300 or the Saab 340?
The Saab 340 has the longer published range — 935 nm versus 800 nm for the Dash 8-300.
Does the Dash 8-300 or Saab 340 seat more passengers?
The Dash 8-300 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 56 seats, compared with 35 on the Saab 340.
Which is faster, the Dash 8-300 or the Saab 340?
The Dash 8-300 cruises faster, at 287 kt versus 250 kt for the Saab 340.
Which is newer, the Dash 8-300 or the Saab 340?
The Dash 8-300 is the newer design, introduced in 1989 versus 1984 for the Saab 340.
Is the Dash 8-300 or the Saab 340 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the Dash 8-300 is the larger aircraft — 43,000 lbs versus 29,000 lbs for the Saab 340.
Should I buy the Dash 8-300 or the Saab 340?
Choose the Saab 340 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the Dash 8-300 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the Dash 8-300 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 Saab 340?
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.