DA40 NG vs RV-12iS
The DA40 NG leads, topping 6 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the Diamond Aircraft DA40 NG (introduced 2000) beside the Van's Aircraft RV-12iS (introduced 2011) and the trade-offs sharpen fast. Both are trainers, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is cabin capacity, where the DA40 NG carries more passengers. The spec-by-spec breakdown below is followed by a mission-fit read and a buyer's recommendation.
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
DA40 NG vs RV-12iS: the key differences
- The DA40 NG delivers 96% more range (DA40 NG: 900 nm; RV-12iS: 460 nm).
- The DA40 NG delivers 24% more cruise speed (DA40 NG: 147 kt; RV-12iS: 119 kt).
- The DA40 NG delivers 100% more passenger capacity (DA40 NG: 4 seats; RV-12iS: 2 seats).
- The RV-12iS is the newer design (introduced 2011 versus 2000 for the DA40 NG), a gap of 11 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The DA40 NG is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (2,535 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 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 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.
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DA40 NG vs RV-12iS: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the DA40 NG or the RV-12iS?
The DA40 NG has the longer published range — 900 nm versus 460 nm for the RV-12iS.
Does the DA40 NG or RV-12iS seat more passengers?
The DA40 NG carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 4 seats, compared with 2 on the RV-12iS.
Which is faster, the DA40 NG or the RV-12iS?
The DA40 NG cruises faster, at 147 kt versus 119 kt for the RV-12iS.
Which is newer, the DA40 NG or the RV-12iS?
The RV-12iS is the newer design, introduced in 2011 versus 2000 for the DA40 NG.
Is the DA40 NG or the RV-12iS the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the DA40 NG is the larger aircraft — 2,535 lbs versus 1,320 lbs for the RV-12iS.
Should I buy the DA40 NG or the RV-12iS?
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 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 DA40 NG 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.