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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.

SpecDiamond Aircraft DA42 VIDiamond Aircraft DA62Piper M500
Summary
DOC / nm$ 1.11$ 1.18$ 3.11
Total Seats456
Flight RulesIFRIFRIFR
ManufacturerDiamond AircraftDiamond AircraftPiper
Aircraft NameDA42 VIDA62M500
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)127312831000
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.28$ 0.24$ 0.78
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedVERIFIED
Useful Load (lbs)129815651698
Direct Operating Cost$ 211$ 225$ 579
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G1000 NXiGarmin G1000 NXiGarmin G1000 NXi
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)190190260
Base Aircraft Price (USD) $869,000 $1,290,000 $2,122,600
Cockpit22
Max Cabin Seats5
Standard Cabin Seats34
Min Crew1
Cabin
Total Seats455
Cockpit22
Max Cabin Seats5
Standard Cabin Seats34
LavatoryNo
Min Crew1
Galley LocationMID
Cabin Pressure (psi)5.5
Galley / RefreshmentRefreshment Centre
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)12600
Max Cabin Altitude (ft)8244
Engine
FADECYesYesNo
ModelAE300AE330PT6A-42A
Fuel TypeDiesel / Jet FuelDiesel / Jet Fuel
TBO (hrs)180018003600
Horsepower168180500
Fuel DeliveryFuel InjectedFuel Injected
No. of Engines221
Usable Fuel (gal)76.486
Fuel Capacity (gal)79.489170
Flat RatingISA + 55
Dimensions
Length (ft)28.130.129.6
Wingspan (ft)44.547.843.2
Overall Height (ft)8.29.311.3
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