Dash 8 Q400 vs Saab 340
The Dash 8 Q400 leads, topping 6 of 7 compared metrics.
The De Havilland Canada Dash 8 Q400 (introduced 2000) and the Saab Saab 340 (introduced 1984) 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 cabin capacity, where the Dash 8 Q400 carries more passengers. undefined
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Dash 8 Q400 vs Saab 340: the key differences
- The Dash 8 Q400 delivers 66% more range (Dash 8 Q400: 1,556 nm; Saab 340: 935 nm).
- The Dash 8 Q400 delivers 44% more cruise speed (Dash 8 Q400: 360 kt; Saab 340: 250 kt).
- The Dash 8 Q400 delivers 157% more passenger capacity (Dash 8 Q400: 90 seats; Saab 340: 35 seats).
- The Dash 8 Q400 is the newer design (introduced 2000 versus 1984 for the Saab 340), a gap of 16 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 29,000 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
Which mission suits which aircraft
The Dash 8 Q400 is the stronger fit for regional and short-to-medium legs — its 1,556 nm of range removes fuel stops on those legs. The Saab 340, at 935 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 Saab 340's range, the Dash 8 Q400's extra capability is range you pay to carry but rarely use.
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 Saab 340 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 Saab 340: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the Dash 8 Q400 or the Saab 340?
The Dash 8 Q400 has the longer published range — 1,556 nm versus 935 nm for the Saab 340.
Does the Dash 8 Q400 or Saab 340 seat more passengers?
The Dash 8 Q400 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 90 seats, compared with 35 on the Saab 340.
Which is faster, the Dash 8 Q400 or the Saab 340?
The Dash 8 Q400 cruises faster, at 360 kt versus 250 kt for the Saab 340.
Which is newer, the Dash 8 Q400 or the Saab 340?
The Dash 8 Q400 is the newer design, introduced in 2000 versus 1984 for the Saab 340.
Is the Dash 8 Q400 or the Saab 340 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the Dash 8 Q400 is the larger aircraft — 64,904 lbs versus 29,000 lbs for the Saab 340.
Should I buy the Dash 8 Q400 or the Saab 340?
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 Saab 340 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 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.