DA20 vs RV-12iS
The DA20 leads, topping 4 of 7 compared metrics.
The Diamond Aircraft DA20 (introduced 1994) and the Van's Aircraft RV-12iS (introduced 2011) are two aircraft buyers regularly weigh against each other. Both are trainers, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. On paper they are closely matched, so the decision usually turns on cabin, economics and availability. undefined
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
DA20 vs RV-12iS: the key differences
- The DA20 delivers 4% more range (DA20: 480 nm; RV-12iS: 460 nm).
- The DA20 delivers 16% more cruise speed (DA20: 138 kt; RV-12iS: 119 kt).
- The DA20 and RV-12iS are evenly matched on passenger capacity, both at 2 seats.
- The RV-12iS is the newer design (introduced 2011 versus 1994 for the DA20), a gap of 17 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The DA20 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (1,764 lbs versus 1,320 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 DA20 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 DA20 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The RV-12iS 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
DA20 vs RV-12iS: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the DA20 or the RV-12iS?
The DA20 has the longer published range — 480 nm versus 460 nm for the RV-12iS.
Which is faster, the DA20 or the RV-12iS?
The DA20 cruises faster, at 138 kt versus 119 kt for the RV-12iS.
Which is newer, the DA20 or the RV-12iS?
The RV-12iS is the newer design, introduced in 2011 versus 1994 for the DA20.
Is the DA20 or the RV-12iS the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the DA20 is the larger aircraft — 1,764 lbs versus 1,320 lbs for the RV-12iS.
Should I buy the DA20 or the RV-12iS?
On published specifications the DA20 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The RV-12iS 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 RV-12iS?
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.