THE SINGLE ENGINE SHOWDOWN. Enjoy this full NOSE TO NOSE COMPARISON video of the most popular training aircraft ever built — the Cessna 172 VS the technologically advanced Jet-A burning Diamond DA40 NG.
Which airplane is right for you? In this video we dig into the history, specs and safety characteristics of each airplane and MUCH more!
The Cessna 172 Skyhawk is an American four-seat, single-engine, high wing, fixed-wing aircraft made by the Cessna Aircraft Company. First flown in 1955, more 172s have been built than any other aircraft.
The Diamond DA40 Diamond Star is an Austrian four-seat, single-engine, light aircraft constructed from composite materials. The aircraft is known for its exceptional operating economics and mild-mannered handling characteristics, and being the first popular piston aircraft to run exclusively on jet fuel.
Jump to a category below:
00:00 Intro
00:39 Specs
01:04 C172 History
01:31 DA40 Specs
01:59 Pricing (estimate)
02:20 Construction & Materials
06:03 DA40 Wing Design
12:07 C172 Powerplant
13:38 DA40 Powerplant
14:22 Props
14:52 Fuel Types
15:51 Doors & Storage
17:21 Entering/Exiting & Seats
20:19 Visibility
22:01 Outro
WHO ARE WE?
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LifeStyle Aviation is the leading seller of modern aircraft in North America and also delivers aircraft worldwide. The company sells Diamond, Cessna, Cirrus, ICON, Piper aircraft and other modern brands. LifeStyle Aviation has also invested in being the leading provider of diesel single- and twin-engine Jet-A piston aircraft, including the DA40 NG, DA42, and the all-new DA62. LifeStyle Aviation also created the unique DiamondShare program (DiamondShare.com) that provides attractive shared access to modern aircraft, allowing people to justify the plane of their dreams and “Make the Dollars Make Sense.”
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I think the C172 has done its job in the last decades, the future is here and Diamond is leading the way
The DA40 is a superior plane that’s for sure, but the Cessna 172 has some advantages for itself.
It is easier and cheaper to repare plus you easily find spare part all around the wold.
It is also way cheaper to buy in second hand.
it is a more robust aircraft and can be used to land almost everywhere on any field
It has a shorter wingspan, making it less efficient but giving it less ground clearance, I’ve seen video of 172 landing on narrow strip inside forest
It is also an iconic aircraft, really I love to see them in great shape like the one in this video.
The Cessna is still a great modern aircraft but the Diamonds is futureproof
Sad they don’t make cheap Grumman Tigers.
The DA40 seems like a great option, even beyond initial training. However, if they’re anything like the Twin Star I tried to squeeze my 6’7” self into, they are not comfortable for taller individuals.
Really demonstrates the difference between 1940s designs and 21st century technology. Everything about the Cessna is “beloved”, “well known”, everything on the Diamond is efficient, comfortable, safe. Not surprising if you compare cars from the same eras.
Obviously biased presentation where complete neutrality (vs sales pitch) is expected
Excellent video. Very informative. Thank you. As a person who is shopping for their first airplane, this video was really helpful.
I love the DA40. It's my favorite family plane. The problem is indeed price: I can buy a used 172 with a G3X, GFC500 autoilot, 750Nxi (or something similar) in and around 200k (182 would be a little more). I can not do that with the DA40-180 let alone an NG. I am hoping with the recent price crashes we are beginning to see the market stabilizes and the DA40 does comes back to reality. Moreover, the DA40 is not STC friendly, so let's say you do go out and buy a steam based DA40 circa 2002ish for a 150k, what is your transition path then? There is none outside of selling completely and buying one with a G1K. It just doesn't make sense right now.
Diamond FTW. Love them.
Diesel.. tdi..
Usa love gasolin. Not diesel
The Diamond is a Chinese owned company and that rules it out for me.
Thanks for the video. I don’t know anything about modern GA aircraft. Cool stuff.
Video in short. Cessnas are dinosaurs welcome to the world beyond 60 years ago, a Diamond aircraft.
I've flown 172R's before, never a Diamond, but would go with the DA40 over a 172
the controll on the da40 is alot easier than the c172
After flying a Diamond DA40, I’ve become a huge fan of the aircraft.
Cessna built an improved C172. It was called the Cardinal – C177 (~1968-1975). I owned one for about 15 years. Flush rivet heads on about 30% of the wing (leading edge). Also it didn't have wing struts. It was a bit more efficient than the C172, It was also a bit more expensive to produce than the C172. If I were still flying, I'd get a DA40, period..
I fly both… DA40 when the weather is nice (ie: below 82F), C172 for everything else. The DA40 definitely is a dream to fly, whereas it feels like I'm wrestling the C172. BUT, I'm in Florida. The heat, humidity, and rain are brutal here. Being able to taxi/fly with the windows open and having a solid roof rather than plexiglass/perspex bubble over your head, especially when it's August, 95F with 50% humidity and you're putting along at 1500' underneath a Bravo shelf, is priceless. Likewise, entering and exiting a high-wing in rain is far more pleasant than popping open the canopy in a DA40 in rain. High wing ain't sexy, but it's extremely practical.
If I ever had the money, I think I'd go for a DA50RG w/aircon. That would fix 90% of my gripes with the DA40.
At the same time, the leading edges of the DA40's wings get chewed up pretty bad when flying in rain. We just had to have ours repaired. Likewise, anyone can field-repair panels on a C172. Not so much for the plastic planes.
The Cessna still has the advantage that the engine can be overhauled and that the propeller doesn't break into pieces all the time. It also doesn't get huge cracks in the fuselage..
I just find it funny when he mentions the price of a cessna because soooo many people will immediately write off ever buying an airplane because people talk about new price. They will never look in to used airplanes that are a fraction that cost and in very good shape. It's sad but just more room in the sky for me and my Maule 😃
Won't take you long to realize that this is nothing but a shitty commercial for what's basically a shitty plane.
Hey lifestyle aviation, I learnt about diamond aircraft from you through this channel. Just wanted to say thanks for changing my life.
Hands down the 172, flown both. The DA40 takes off like a elevator and the 172 flys like a real airplane or any airplane you might fly in the future.
Whichever goes faster is better. Time is what is most valuable commodity at least some of us we don't have. Everything else is subjective.
I despise the handling of the -172, it's so heavy and sloppy compared to what I learned on. I Flew a Diamond, and was surprised at how high the control forces were but, it's easy airplane to fly smoothly. A very good cruiser.
DA40 it is a very nice plane but in rain and snow and the doors ???, also aluminum easy to fix any where, how composite material will age and fatigue and is it easy to repair ?
This was a great comparison of old Rolex to new modern apple/Samsung watch of today’s technology. Great video.