Diamond Aircraft Da40 Xlt vs Diamond Aircraft Da62 vs Diamond Aircraft Da42 Vi
The Diamond DA40 XLT is a single‑engine, four‑seat piston aircraft typically used for primary training, personal travel, and efficient day‑VFR/IFR touring. Its range is the shortest of the three, generally suited to regional trips rather than long, high‑payload missions. The Diamond DA42 VI is a twin‑engine, four‑seat piston aircraft aimed at higher redundancy and mission flexibility, including IFR touring, training for multi‑engine operations, and special missions. Compared with the DA40, it usually offers longer range and better all‑weather capability potential, especially when operated at efficient cruise settings, while keeping a similar passenger count. The Diamond DA62 is a larger twin‑engine, seven‑seat piston aircraft designed for family and business transport with substantially greater cabin capacity. Among these three, it provides the highest passenger capacity and typically the longest practical range when carrying moderate payload, making it the most suited to longer cross‑country travel with more people or baggage.
| Spec | Diamond Aircraft DA40 XLT | Diamond Aircraft DA42 VI | Diamond Aircraft DA62 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| DOC / nm | $ 0.88 | $ 1.11 | $ 1.18 |
| Total Seats | 4 | 4 | 5 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Diamond Aircraft | Diamond Aircraft | Diamond Aircraft |
| Aircraft Name | DA40 XLT | DA42 VI | DA62 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 790 | 1273 | 1283 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.22 | $ 0.28 | $ 0.24 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 900 | 1298 | 1565 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 125 | $ 211 | $ 225 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G1000 NXi | Garmin G1000 NXi | Garmin G1000 NXi |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 142 | 190 | 190 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $485,000 | $869,000 | $1,290,000 |
| Cockpit | — | — | 2 |
| Max Cabin Seats | — | — | 5 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | — | — | 3 |
| Cabin | |||
| Total Seats | 4 | 4 | 5 |
| Cockpit | — | — | 2 |
| Max Cabin Seats | — | — | 5 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | — | — | 3 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | No | Yes | Yes |
| Model | IO-360 M1A | AE300 | AE330 |
| Fuel Type | AvGas | Diesel / Jet Fuel | Diesel / Jet Fuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 2000 | 1800 | 1800 |
| TBO (yrs) | 12 | — | — |
| Horsepower | 180 | 168 | 180 |
| Fuel Delivery | Fuel Injected | Fuel Injected | Fuel Injected |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Usable Fuel (gal) | 48 | 76.4 | 86 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 50 | 79.4 | 89 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 26.5 | 28.1 | 30.1 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 38.2 | 44.5 | 47.8 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 6.5 | 8.2 | 9.3 |