Dash 8 Q400 vs Embraer E170
The Embraer E170 leads, topping 6 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the De Havilland Canada Dash 8 Q400 (introduced 2000) beside the Embraer Executive Jets Embraer E170 (introduced 2004) and the trade-offs sharpen fast. Both are regional, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is range, where the Embraer E170 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 Q400 vs Embraer E170: the key differences
- The Embraer E170 delivers 35% more range (Dash 8 Q400: 1,556 nm; Embraer E170: 2,100 nm).
- The Embraer E170 delivers 24% more cruise speed (Dash 8 Q400: 360 kt; Embraer E170: 447 kt).
- The Dash 8 Q400 delivers 13% more passenger capacity (Dash 8 Q400: 90 seats; Embraer E170: 80 seats).
- The Embraer E170 is the newer design (introduced 2004 versus 2000 for the Dash 8 Q400), a gap of 4 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 64,904 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 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 Embraer E170's extra capability is range you pay to carry but rarely use.
Which should you choose?
Choose the Embraer E170 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the Dash 8 Q400 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the Embraer E170 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 Q400 vs Embraer E170: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the Dash 8 Q400 or the Embraer E170?
The Embraer E170 has the longer published range — 2,100 nm versus 1,556 nm for the Dash 8 Q400.
Does the Dash 8 Q400 or Embraer E170 seat more passengers?
The Dash 8 Q400 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 90 seats, compared with 80 on the Embraer E170.
Which is faster, the Dash 8 Q400 or the Embraer E170?
The Embraer E170 cruises faster, at 447 kt versus 360 kt for the Dash 8 Q400.
Which is newer, the Dash 8 Q400 or the Embraer E170?
The Embraer E170 is the newer design, introduced in 2004 versus 2000 for the Dash 8 Q400.
Is the Dash 8 Q400 or the Embraer E170 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the Embraer E170 is the larger aircraft — 82,012 lbs versus 64,904 lbs for the Dash 8 Q400.
Should I buy the Dash 8 Q400 or the Embraer E170?
Choose the Embraer E170 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the Dash 8 Q400 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the Embraer E170 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 Q400 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.