Diamond Aircraft Da62 vs Piper Seneca
The Diamond Aircraft DA62 and the Piper Seneca are both light twin‑engine airplanes typically used for personal travel, business transport, and flight training, but they sit in slightly different eras and design philosophies. The DA62 is a modern composite twin with advanced avionics and a strong emphasis on efficiency, low noise, and refined cabin comfort. The Seneca, a long‑running conventional aluminum twin, is widely known as a dependable “workhorse” in the piston twin category, common in training and charter-style utility roles. On range, the DA62 generally offers a longer, more efficient cross‑country capability in typical cruise use thanks to its aerodynamics and fuel economy, while many Seneca variants provide solid but often somewhat shorter real‑world legs depending on model, power settings, and payload. For passenger capacity, both commonly seat up to seven including the pilot, though practical seating and baggage with full fuel can favor fewer occupants. The DA62’s cabin is often perceived as roomier and more contemporary, while the Seneca’s layout varies by generation and interior configuration.
| Spec | Diamond Aircraft DA62 | Piper Seneca |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 1.18 | $ 1.69 |
| Total Seats | 5 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Diamond Aircraft | Piper |
| Aircraft Name | DA62 | Seneca |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1283 | 828 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.24 | $ 0.28 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | — |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 1565 | 1331 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 3 | 4 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 225 | $ 337 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G1000 NXi | Garmin G1000 NXi |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 190 | 200 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $1,290,000 | $1,095,000 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 5 | 6 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 3 | 4 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | No |
| Model | AE330 | TSIO-360-RB |
| Fuel Type | Diesel / Jet Fuel | AvGas |
| TBO (hrs) | 1800 | 1800 |
| Horsepower | 180 | 220 |
| Fuel Delivery | Fuel Injected | Fuel Injected |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 |
| Usable Fuel (gal) | 86 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 89 | 122 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 30.1 | 28.6 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 47.8 | 39 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 9.3 | 10 |