Diamond Aircraft Da62 vs Piper M500 vs Diamond Aircraft Da42 Vi
The Diamond Aircraft DA62, Piper M500, and Diamond Aircraft DA42 VI span different categories and missions. The DA62 is a modern light twin piston aircraft, typically positioned as a comfortable personal and utility platform with a strong emphasis on efficiency and redundancy from two engines. The Piper M500 is a single‑engine turboprop, generally considered a higher-performance step up, aimed at faster, higher-altitude travel with turbine simplicity and strong climb capability. The DA42 VI is also a light twin, but it is commonly viewed as a slightly smaller, very fuel-efficient platform, widely used for both personal travel and professional roles such as training and special missions. In range terms, the M500 is generally competitive for longer cross-country legs thanks to turboprop cruise performance, while the DA62 is also long‑legged for its class and often compares favorably among piston twins. The DA42 VI typically offers solid endurance as well, though it is usually discussed as somewhat more limited than the DA62 depending on configuration. For passenger capacity, the DA62 commonly seats up to seven, the M500 typically seats up to five or six depending on layout, and the DA42 VI is usually configured for four to five.
| Spec | Diamond Aircraft DA42 VI | Diamond Aircraft DA62 | Piper M500 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| DOC / nm | $ 1.11 | $ 1.18 | $ 3.11 |
| Total Seats | 4 | 5 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Diamond Aircraft | Diamond Aircraft | Piper |
| Aircraft Name | DA42 VI | DA62 | M500 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1273 | 1283 | 1000 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.28 | $ 0.24 | $ 0.78 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 1298 | 1565 | 1698 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 211 | $ 225 | $ 579 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G1000 NXi | Garmin G1000 NXi | Garmin G1000 NXi |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 190 | 190 | 260 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $869,000 | $1,290,000 | $2,122,600 |
| Cockpit | — | 2 | 2 |
| Max Cabin Seats | — | 5 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | — | 3 | 4 |
| Min Crew | — | — | 1 |
| Cabin | |||
| Total Seats | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| Cockpit | — | 2 | 2 |
| Max Cabin Seats | — | 5 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | — | 3 | 4 |
| Lavatory | — | — | No |
| Min Crew | — | — | 1 |
| Galley Location | — | — | MID |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | — | — | 5.5 |
| Galley / Refreshment | — | — | Refreshment Centre |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | 12600 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | 8244 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | No |
| Model | AE300 | AE330 | PT6A-42A |
| Fuel Type | Diesel / Jet Fuel | Diesel / Jet Fuel | — |
| TBO (hrs) | 1800 | 1800 | 3600 |
| Horsepower | 168 | 180 | 500 |
| Fuel Delivery | Fuel Injected | Fuel Injected | — |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Usable Fuel (gal) | 76.4 | 86 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 79.4 | 89 | 170 |
| Flat Rating | — | — | ISA + 55 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 28.1 | 30.1 | 29.6 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 44.5 | 47.8 | 43.2 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 8.2 | 9.3 | 11.3 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | — | 4.1 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | — | 4 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | — | 12.3 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | — | 165 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | — | 20 |