DA40 NG vs Pilot 100i
The DA40 NG leads, topping 5 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the Diamond Aircraft DA40 NG (introduced 2000) beside the Piper Aircraft Pilot 100i (introduced 2019) 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. We line the numbers up below, then translate them into the mission each aircraft actually wins.
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DA40 NG vs Pilot 100i: the key differences
- The DA40 NG delivers 72% more range (DA40 NG: 900 nm; Pilot 100i: 522 nm).
- The DA40 NG delivers 15% more cruise speed (DA40 NG: 147 kt; Pilot 100i: 128 kt).
- The DA40 NG and Pilot 100i are evenly matched on passenger capacity, both at 4 seats.
- The Pilot 100i is the newer design (introduced 2019 versus 2000 for the DA40 NG), a gap of 19 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 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 Pilot 100i 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 Pilot 100i: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the DA40 NG or the Pilot 100i?
The DA40 NG has the longer published range — 900 nm versus 522 nm for the Pilot 100i.
Which is faster, the DA40 NG or the Pilot 100i?
The DA40 NG cruises faster, at 147 kt versus 128 kt for the Pilot 100i.
Which is newer, the DA40 NG or the Pilot 100i?
The Pilot 100i is the newer design, introduced in 2019 versus 2000 for the DA40 NG.
Is the DA40 NG or the Pilot 100i the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the Pilot 100i is the larger aircraft — 2,550 lbs versus 2,535 lbs for the DA40 NG.
Should I buy the DA40 NG or the Pilot 100i?
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 Pilot 100i 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 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.