DA42-VI vs PA-23 Aztec F
The DA42-VI leads, topping 4 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the Diamond Aircraft DA42-VI (introduced 2002) beside the Piper Aircraft PA-23 Aztec F (introduced 1976) and the trade-offs sharpen fast. Both are piston twins, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is cabin capacity, where the PA-23 Aztec F carries more passengers. We line the numbers up below, then translate them into the mission each aircraft actually wins.
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
DA42-VI vs PA-23 Aztec F: the key differences
- The DA42-VI delivers 2% more range (DA42-VI: 1,020 nm; PA-23 Aztec F: 1,000 nm).
- The DA42-VI delivers 6% more cruise speed (DA42-VI: 185 kt; PA-23 Aztec F: 175 kt).
- The PA-23 Aztec F delivers 50% more passenger capacity (DA42-VI: 4 seats; PA-23 Aztec F: 6 seats).
- The DA42-VI is the newer design (introduced 2002 versus 1976 for the PA-23 Aztec F), a gap of 26 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The PA-23 Aztec F is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (5,200 lbs versus 4,078 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 regional and short-to-medium legs, so outright range rarely separates them — the call leans on cabin (the PA-23 Aztec F 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?
Choose the DA42-VI when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the PA-23 Aztec F when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the DA42-VI holds the cruise-speed edge. The right answer ultimately depends on acquisition cost, maintenance-program status, and what is actually available on the market — talk to our acquisition advisory team to pressure-test the choice against your missions and budget.
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DA42-VI vs PA-23 Aztec F: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the DA42-VI or the PA-23 Aztec F?
The DA42-VI has the longer published range — 1,020 nm versus 1,000 nm for the PA-23 Aztec F.
Does the DA42-VI or PA-23 Aztec F seat more passengers?
The PA-23 Aztec F carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 6 seats, compared with 4 on the DA42-VI.
Which is faster, the DA42-VI or the PA-23 Aztec F?
The DA42-VI cruises faster, at 185 kt versus 175 kt for the PA-23 Aztec F.
Which is newer, the DA42-VI or the PA-23 Aztec F?
The DA42-VI is the newer design, introduced in 2002 versus 1976 for the PA-23 Aztec F.
Is the DA42-VI or the PA-23 Aztec F the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the PA-23 Aztec F is the larger aircraft — 5,200 lbs versus 4,078 lbs for the DA42-VI.
Should I buy the DA42-VI or the PA-23 Aztec F?
Choose the DA42-VI when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the PA-23 Aztec F when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the DA42-VI holds the cruise-speed edge. The right answer ultimately depends on acquisition cost, maintenance-program status, and what is actually available on the market — talk to our acquisition advisory team to pressure-test the choice against your missions and budget.
Still weighing up the DA42-VI vs PA-23 Aztec F?
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.