DA40 NG vs Archer LX
The DA40 NG leads, topping 6 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the Diamond Aircraft DA40 NG (introduced 2000) beside the Piper Aircraft Archer LX (introduced 2017) and the trade-offs sharpen fast. Both are trainers, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is range, where the DA40 NG has the advantage. undefined
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DA40 NG vs Archer LX: the key differences
- The DA40 NG delivers 72% more range (DA40 NG: 900 nm; Archer LX: 522 nm).
- The DA40 NG delivers 15% more cruise speed (DA40 NG: 147 kt; Archer LX: 128 kt).
- The DA40 NG and Archer LX are evenly matched on passenger capacity, both at 4 seats.
- The Archer LX is the newer design (introduced 2017 versus 2000 for the DA40 NG), a gap of 17 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The Archer LX is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (2,558 lbs versus 2,535 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 Archer LX 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
DA40 NG vs Archer LX: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the DA40 NG or the Archer LX?
The DA40 NG has the longer published range — 900 nm versus 522 nm for the Archer LX.
Which is faster, the DA40 NG or the Archer LX?
The DA40 NG cruises faster, at 147 kt versus 128 kt for the Archer LX.
Which is newer, the DA40 NG or the Archer LX?
The Archer LX is the newer design, introduced in 2017 versus 2000 for the DA40 NG.
Is the DA40 NG or the Archer LX the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the Archer LX is the larger aircraft — 2,558 lbs versus 2,535 lbs for the DA40 NG.
Should I buy the DA40 NG or the Archer LX?
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 Archer LX 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 DA40 NG vs Archer LX?
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.