DA20 vs DA40 NG
The DA40 NG leads, topping 6 of 7 compared metrics.
The Diamond Aircraft DA20 (introduced 1994) and the Diamond Aircraft DA40 NG (introduced 2000) are two aircraft buyers regularly weigh against each other. Both are trainers, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is cabin capacity, where the DA40 NG 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.
DA20 vs DA40 NG: the key differences
- The DA40 NG delivers 88% more range (DA20: 480 nm; DA40 NG: 900 nm).
- The DA40 NG delivers 7% more cruise speed (DA20: 138 kt; DA40 NG: 147 kt).
- The DA40 NG delivers 100% more passenger capacity (DA20: 2 seats; DA40 NG: 4 seats).
- The DA40 NG is the newer design (introduced 2000 versus 1994 for the DA20), a gap of 6 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The DA40 NG is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (2,535 lbs versus 1,764 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 DA40 NG 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 DA40 NG leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The DA20 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.
DA20 vs DA40 NG: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the DA20 or the DA40 NG?
The DA40 NG has the longer published range — 900 nm versus 480 nm for the DA20.
Does the DA20 or DA40 NG seat more passengers?
The DA40 NG carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 4 seats, compared with 2 on the DA20.
Which is faster, the DA20 or the DA40 NG?
The DA40 NG cruises faster, at 147 kt versus 138 kt for the DA20.
Which is newer, the DA20 or the DA40 NG?
The DA40 NG is the newer design, introduced in 2000 versus 1994 for the DA20.
Is the DA20 or the DA40 NG the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the DA40 NG is the larger aircraft — 2,535 lbs versus 1,764 lbs for the DA20.
Should I buy the DA20 or the DA40 NG?
On published specifications the DA40 NG leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The DA20 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 DA20 vs DA40 NG?
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.