Cessna 172S Skyhawk SP vs Diamond DA40 Diamond Star
Head-to-head — specs, at a glance.
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iCessna 172S Skyhawk SP
The modern Cessna 172 represents the latest chapter of the most-produced aircraft in aviation history, with over 44,000 total 172s built across all variants since 1956. Cessna restarted 172 production in 1997 after a decade-long hiatus caused by product liability concerns, introducing the 172R as its return-to-market model and following quickly with the 172S Skyhawk SP in 1998. Both models share the same airframe lineage but introduced fuel injection, a significantly modernized interior, and eventually the Garmin G1000 glass cockpit that transformed the type from a basic trainer into a genuinely capable IFR platform.
- +Excellent parts availability and mechanic familiarity worldwide
- +G1000 glass cockpit makes capable single-pilot IFR platform
- +Predictable, honest performance with 124 KTAS cruise and 550+ nm range
- !Hot-start difficulties on fuel-injected engine common in real-world operation
- !Alternator runs near capacity with full G1000 avionics; failures more common than analog variants
- !Marginal performance at high density altitude with full fuel and four occupants
Diamond DA40 Diamond Star
**This page describes the Lycoming-powered DA40 — sold historically as the DA40-180 and DA40 XLS, and currently as the DA40 XLT.** The Austro-diesel DA40 NG is a separate purchase, burning Jet-A rather than avgas, with its own page: Diamond DA40 NG (diesel).
- +Docile, modern four-seat trainer with excellent safety record
- +Lycoming IO-360 parts universally available; any A&P can service
- +Good efficiency and useful range at best-economy settings
- !Castering nosewheel requires differential-braking technique; common ground-handling incident source during training
- !Composite airframe requires certified composite shop for repairs
- !Moderate cruise speed (137 kt) limits business travel appeal
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