DA42-VI vs PA-31 Navajo Chieftain
The PA-31 Navajo Chieftain leads, topping 4 of 7 compared metrics.
Cross-shopping the Diamond Aircraft DA42-VI (introduced 2002) against the Piper Aircraft PA-31 Navajo Chieftain (introduced 1973) is a common decision, and the two sit closer on paper than the badges suggest. Both are piston twins, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is cabin capacity, where the PA-31 Navajo Chieftain carries more passengers. Below we compare them spec by spec, then break down which aircraft suits which mission.
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
DA42-VI vs PA-31 Navajo Chieftain: the key differences
- The DA42-VI delivers 1% more range (DA42-VI: 1,020 nm; PA-31 Navajo Chieftain: 1,011 nm).
- The PA-31 Navajo Chieftain delivers 4% more cruise speed (DA42-VI: 185 kt; PA-31 Navajo Chieftain: 193 kt).
- The PA-31 Navajo Chieftain delivers 150% more passenger capacity (DA42-VI: 4 seats; PA-31 Navajo Chieftain: 10 seats).
- The DA42-VI is the newer design (introduced 2002 versus 1973 for the PA-31 Navajo Chieftain), a gap of 29 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The PA-31 Navajo Chieftain is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (7,000 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-31 Navajo Chieftain 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-31 Navajo Chieftain when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the PA-31 Navajo Chieftain 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-31 Navajo Chieftain: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the DA42-VI or the PA-31 Navajo Chieftain?
The DA42-VI has the longer published range — 1,020 nm versus 1,011 nm for the PA-31 Navajo Chieftain.
Does the DA42-VI or PA-31 Navajo Chieftain seat more passengers?
The PA-31 Navajo Chieftain carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 10 seats, compared with 4 on the DA42-VI.
Which is faster, the DA42-VI or the PA-31 Navajo Chieftain?
The PA-31 Navajo Chieftain cruises faster, at 193 kt versus 185 kt for the DA42-VI.
Which is newer, the DA42-VI or the PA-31 Navajo Chieftain?
The DA42-VI is the newer design, introduced in 2002 versus 1973 for the PA-31 Navajo Chieftain.
Is the DA42-VI or the PA-31 Navajo Chieftain the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the PA-31 Navajo Chieftain is the larger aircraft — 7,000 lbs versus 4,078 lbs for the DA42-VI.
Should I buy the DA42-VI or the PA-31 Navajo Chieftain?
Choose the DA42-VI when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the PA-31 Navajo Chieftain when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the PA-31 Navajo Chieftain 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-31 Navajo Chieftain?
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.