Dash 8 Q400 vs ERJ-145
The ERJ-145 leads, topping 3 of 7 compared metrics.
Cross-shopping the De Havilland Canada Dash 8 Q400 (introduced 2000) against the Embraer Executive Jets ERJ-145 (introduced 1996) 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 Q400 carries more passengers. 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 ERJ-145: the key differences
- The Dash 8 Q400 delivers 0% more range (Dash 8 Q400: 1,556 nm; ERJ-145: 1,550 nm).
- The ERJ-145 delivers 25% more cruise speed (Dash 8 Q400: 360 kt; ERJ-145: 450 kt).
- The Dash 8 Q400 delivers 80% more passenger capacity (Dash 8 Q400: 90 seats; ERJ-145: 50 seats).
- The Dash 8 Q400 is the newer design (introduced 2000 versus 1996 for the ERJ-145), a gap of 4 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The Dash 8 Q400 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (64,904 lbs versus 48,501 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 regional and short-to-medium legs, so outright range rarely separates them — the call leans on cabin (the Dash 8 Q400 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?
On published specifications the Dash 8 Q400 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The ERJ-145 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.
More comparisons
Dash 8 Q400 vs ERJ-145: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the Dash 8 Q400 or the ERJ-145?
The Dash 8 Q400 has the longer published range — 1,556 nm versus 1,550 nm for the ERJ-145.
Does the Dash 8 Q400 or ERJ-145 seat more passengers?
The Dash 8 Q400 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 90 seats, compared with 50 on the ERJ-145.
Which is faster, the Dash 8 Q400 or the ERJ-145?
The ERJ-145 cruises faster, at 450 kt versus 360 kt for the Dash 8 Q400.
Which is newer, the Dash 8 Q400 or the ERJ-145?
The Dash 8 Q400 is the newer design, introduced in 2000 versus 1996 for the ERJ-145.
Is the Dash 8 Q400 or the ERJ-145 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the Dash 8 Q400 is the larger aircraft — 64,904 lbs versus 48,501 lbs for the ERJ-145.
Should I buy the Dash 8 Q400 or the ERJ-145?
On published specifications the Dash 8 Q400 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The ERJ-145 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 Q400 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.