DA20 vs Pilot 100i
The DA20 leads, topping 4 of 7 compared metrics.
Cross-shopping the Diamond Aircraft DA20 (introduced 1994) against the Piper Aircraft Pilot 100i (introduced 2019) 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 Pilot 100i carries more passengers. undefined
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DA20 vs Pilot 100i: the key differences
- The Pilot 100i delivers 9% more range (DA20: 480 nm; Pilot 100i: 522 nm).
- The DA20 delivers 8% more cruise speed (DA20: 138 kt; Pilot 100i: 128 kt).
- The Pilot 100i delivers 100% more passenger capacity (DA20: 2 seats; Pilot 100i: 4 seats).
- The Pilot 100i is the newer design (introduced 2019 versus 1994 for the DA20), a gap of 25 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The Pilot 100i is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (2,550 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 Pilot 100i 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 Pilot 100i 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 Pilot 100i: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the DA20 or the Pilot 100i?
The Pilot 100i has the longer published range — 522 nm versus 480 nm for the DA20.
Does the DA20 or Pilot 100i seat more passengers?
The Pilot 100i carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 4 seats, compared with 2 on the DA20.
Which is faster, the DA20 or the Pilot 100i?
The DA20 cruises faster, at 138 kt versus 128 kt for the Pilot 100i.
Which is newer, the DA20 or the Pilot 100i?
The Pilot 100i is the newer design, introduced in 2019 versus 1994 for the DA20.
Is the DA20 or the Pilot 100i the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the Pilot 100i is the larger aircraft — 2,550 lbs versus 1,764 lbs for the DA20.
Should I buy the DA20 or the Pilot 100i?
On published specifications the Pilot 100i 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 Pilot 100i?
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.