Dash 8 Q400 vs Embraer E175
The Embraer E175 leads, topping 6 of 7 compared metrics.
Cross-shopping the De Havilland Canada Dash 8 Q400 (introduced 2000) against the Embraer Executive Jets Embraer E175 (introduced 2005) 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 E175 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 E175: the key differences
- The Embraer E175 delivers 41% more range (Dash 8 Q400: 1,556 nm; Embraer E175: 2,200 nm).
- The Embraer E175 delivers 24% more cruise speed (Dash 8 Q400: 360 kt; Embraer E175: 447 kt).
- The Dash 8 Q400 delivers 2% more passenger capacity (Dash 8 Q400: 90 seats; Embraer E175: 88 seats).
- The Embraer E175 is the newer design (introduced 2005 versus 2000 for the Dash 8 Q400), a gap of 5 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The Embraer E175 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (85,980 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 E175 is the stronger fit for transcontinental missions — its 2,200 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 E175's extra capability is range you pay to carry but rarely use.
Which should you choose?
Choose the Embraer E175 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the Dash 8 Q400 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the Embraer E175 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 E175: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the Dash 8 Q400 or the Embraer E175?
The Embraer E175 has the longer published range — 2,200 nm versus 1,556 nm for the Dash 8 Q400.
Does the Dash 8 Q400 or Embraer E175 seat more passengers?
The Dash 8 Q400 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 90 seats, compared with 88 on the Embraer E175.
Which is faster, the Dash 8 Q400 or the Embraer E175?
The Embraer E175 cruises faster, at 447 kt versus 360 kt for the Dash 8 Q400.
Which is newer, the Dash 8 Q400 or the Embraer E175?
The Embraer E175 is the newer design, introduced in 2005 versus 2000 for the Dash 8 Q400.
Is the Dash 8 Q400 or the Embraer E175 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the Embraer E175 is the larger aircraft — 85,980 lbs versus 64,904 lbs for the Dash 8 Q400.
Should I buy the Dash 8 Q400 or the Embraer E175?
Choose the Embraer E175 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the Dash 8 Q400 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the Embraer E175 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 E175?
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.