DA40 NG vs Arrow
The DA40 NG leads, topping 4 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the Diamond Aircraft DA40 NG (introduced 2000) beside the Piper Aircraft Arrow (introduced 1967) 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 Arrow: the key differences
- The DA40 NG delivers 15% more range (DA40 NG: 900 nm; Arrow: 786 nm).
- The DA40 NG delivers 5% more cruise speed (DA40 NG: 147 kt; Arrow: 140 kt).
- The DA40 NG and Arrow are evenly matched on passenger capacity, both at 4 seats.
- The DA40 NG is the newer design (introduced 2000 versus 1967 for the Arrow), a gap of 33 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 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 Arrow 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.
DA40 NG vs Arrow: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the DA40 NG or the Arrow?
The DA40 NG has the longer published range — 900 nm versus 786 nm for the Arrow.
Which is faster, the DA40 NG or the Arrow?
The DA40 NG cruises faster, at 147 kt versus 140 kt for the Arrow.
Which is newer, the DA40 NG or the Arrow?
The DA40 NG is the newer design, introduced in 2000 versus 1967 for the Arrow.
Is the DA40 NG or the Arrow the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the Arrow is the larger aircraft — 2,900 lbs versus 2,535 lbs for the DA40 NG.
Should I buy the DA40 NG or the Arrow?
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 Arrow 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 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.