Cessna 152 vs Diamond DA20-A1 Katana
Head-to-head — specs, at a glance.
i
iCessna 152
The Cessna 152 is the definitive two-seat primary trainer of the late 20th century. Produced from 1978 to 1985 as the successor to the legendary Cessna 150, it was Cessna's answer to the changing avgas landscape: the switch from 80/87 octane fuel to 100LL required a new engine, which drove most of the design changes. Total worldwide production reached 7,584 airframes, including all variants. The first model year (1978) was the peak, with 2,812 units delivered. By 1985, when Cessna halted single-engine piston production over product liability concerns, the 152 had cemented itself alongside its predecessor as the aircraft in which more pilots learned to fly than any other.
- +Lowest operating costs in certified aviation, especially with mogas STC
- +Universal mechanic familiarity and excellent parts availability
- +Purpose-built trainer with docile handling and excellent visibility
- !100LL lead causes accelerated valve/guide wear and frequent spark plug fouling
- !Marginal 110 HP performance at high-density-altitude airports
- !Two-seat limitation severely restricts mission flexibility
Diamond DA20-A1 Katana
**This page describes the DA20-A1 — the Rotax-powered Katana, sold today under the name "DA20i."** The Continental-powered DA20-C1 Eclipse is a separate purchase with a different engine, different fuel-burn and range, and its own page: Diamond DA20-C1 Eclipse.
- +Efficient two-seat trainer with modern Rotax power and sliding canopy visibility
- +Active Diamond service network plus widespread Rotax parts availability
- +Docile handling and low operating costs for flight training and local flying
- !Composite airframe repairs require certified composite shop only
- !Rotax 912 ownership requires Rotax-specific mechanic training — not all A&Ps are equipped
- !Tight payload and baggage limits cross-country and dual-purpose missions
Comparing a specific airplane you found for sale?
Get a Tail # Report on that tail number →