DA20 vs Arrow
The Arrow leads, topping 5 of 7 compared metrics.
Cross-shopping the Diamond Aircraft DA20 (introduced 1994) against the Piper Aircraft Arrow (introduced 1967) is a common decision, and the two sit closer on paper than the badges suggest. Both are trainers, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is cabin capacity, where the Arrow 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 Arrow: the key differences
- The Arrow delivers 64% more range (DA20: 480 nm; Arrow: 786 nm).
- The Arrow delivers 1% more cruise speed (DA20: 138 kt; Arrow: 140 kt).
- The Arrow delivers 100% more passenger capacity (DA20: 2 seats; Arrow: 4 seats).
- The DA20 is the newer design (introduced 1994 versus 1967 for the Arrow), a gap of 27 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The Arrow is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (2,900 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 Arrow 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 Arrow 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 Arrow: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the DA20 or the Arrow?
The Arrow has the longer published range — 786 nm versus 480 nm for the DA20.
Does the DA20 or Arrow seat more passengers?
The Arrow carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 4 seats, compared with 2 on the DA20.
Which is faster, the DA20 or the Arrow?
The Arrow cruises faster, at 140 kt versus 138 kt for the DA20.
Which is newer, the DA20 or the Arrow?
The DA20 is the newer design, introduced in 1994 versus 1967 for the Arrow.
Is the DA20 or the Arrow the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the Arrow is the larger aircraft — 2,900 lbs versus 1,764 lbs for the DA20.
Should I buy the DA20 or the Arrow?
On published specifications the Arrow 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 Arrow?
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.