Diamond Aircraft Da40 Xlt vs Maule Aircraft M 9 235i vs Tecnam P2010 P"
The Diamond Aircraft DA40 XLT and Tecnam P2010 are modern four-seat, single‑engine pistons commonly used for training and personal travel, while the Maule M‑9 235i is a rugged utility/STOL airplane aimed at backcountry and short‑field work. In passenger capacity, the DA40 XLT and P2010 are typically configured for four occupants, whereas the M‑9 235i is often configured for four to five seats depending on interior and gross‑weight options, with a stronger emphasis on load‑carrying and rough‑field capability than cabin refinement. For range, the DA40 XLT and P2010 generally offer cross‑country range in the mid‑hundreds of nautical miles and are optimized for efficient cruise, while the M‑9 235i’s practical range is also in the mid‑hundreds but often more mission‑dependent because it trades some cruise efficiency for higher power, short‑field performance, and the ability to operate from unimproved strips. Overall, DA40 XLT and P2010 fit efficient touring and training, and the M‑9 235i fits utility and remote access.
| Spec | Diamond Aircraft DA40 XLT | Maule Aircraft M-9 235i |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| DOC / nm | $ 0.88 | — |
| Total Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Diamond Aircraft | Maule Aircraft |
| Aircraft Name | DA40 XLT | M-9 235i |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA |
| Max Range (nm) | 790 | 876 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.22 | — |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 900 | 1100 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 125 | — |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G1000 NXi | Garmin G5 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 142 | 137 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $485,000 | $355,000 |
| Cabin | ||
| Total Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | No | No |
| Model | IO-360 M1A | I0-540-W1A5 |
| Fuel Type | AvGas | AvGas |
| TBO (hrs) | 2000 | 2000 |
| TBO (yrs) | 12 | 12 |
| Horsepower | 180 | 235 |
| Fuel Delivery | Fuel Injected | Fuel Injected |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 |
| Usable Fuel (gal) | 48 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 50 | 85 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 26.5 | 23.7 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 38.2 | 33 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 6.5 | 6.4 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | 42 |