Which Diamond Aircraft is BEST? | Comparing the DA62, DA50, DA42-VI, DA40NG & DA20

We lined up every airplane in the Diamond Aircraft fleet so you didn't have to. Does the DA50 RG live up to the hype? Should I buy a DA40 or a DA42-VI? How fast is the DA62?
Join pilot and Lifestyle Aviation CEO John Armstrong as he takes you on a thorough walkaround of the DA20, DA40NG, DA42-VI, DA50 RG and DA62 at EAA AirVenture 2021.
Learn about the history of Diamond Aircraft, the differences between each model, and what makes Diamonds the SAFEST General Aviation airplanes in the world today!
-- DA62 vs DA50 vs DA42-VI vs DA40NG vs DA20 --
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Diamond Aircraft revolutionized the general aviation market with being the first to introduce Diesel piston singles and twins. Together with Austro Engine they invested millions to develop and build their own eco-friendly, fuel-saving and powerful aircraft jet fuel engines. If you are thinking ‘Isn't jet fuel for the big airlines?’ you are absolutely right. It is, for many good reasons:
You burn 50% less fuel
You can operate worldwide since the aircraft is certified for multiple fuel types (Jet-A, Jet-A1, TS-1, RT, JP-8, and No. 3 Jet fuel)
Lower fuel cost compared to Avgas (the average price ratio between Jet-A1 and Avgas is 1:2)
Excellent performance including unique high-altitude performance thanks to the integrated turbo charger
You can now concentrate on more important things with the simplified electronic controlled system (ECU) to manage engine systems, including a single power lever design
You'll be excited about the drastically lower maintenance costs compared to conventional avgas engines
Diamond Aircraft currently still is the only provider of twin-engine aircraft powered by a turbocharged jet fuel Austro Engine model.

[@wallyballou7417]

"Most accidents happen near the ground." I'd say the ground is involved in just about every aviation accident.

[@joshuahelt6589]

think you're pretty funny don't you?

[@fadedflage]

Midair collision

[@LocalConArtist]

collisions, airframe failure, run out of fuel, landing gear failure.

[@Eltern10]

I am Austrian, I live 10km away from the Diamond factory. To me it is extremely sad that they sold the business to the Chinese. Always wanted to have a Diamond, especially the DA 62 - but since they are owned by the Chinese, I changed my mind. Not supporting any communist business.

[@bertjilk3456]

Just wait, they’ll be sending your personal flying data to the cloud (like Cirrus) soon. I agree. Not buying anything communist.

[@michaelhoffmann2891]

It's kind of hard to argue with that. Even if they're still Austrian and Canadian built. But it's more a statement of the state of the GA industry in the West: without Chinese money they can't stay alive. That's for the 21st century planes. How often have the old makers been in an out of bankruptcy? I'm saddened what it says about *us*, never mind what my opinion about the Chinese behemoth and their world domination fantasies.

[@derp195]

China isn't really communist. They're kind of communist in the same way Russia is a democracy.

[@rubiooibur8534]

At least they're still built in Austria and Canada. Im pretty sure you can get a bigger discount on a Maschine now. Always look at the bright side 🤣

[@brianostwald802]

I’m Australian and agree with you , Chinese means rubbish .

[@harmonised8353]

John is surely a huge influence in the popularity of the Diamond brand and with good reason. With Diamond aircraft, there is everything to love, nothing to hate, and John masterfully sells the brand with such passion. Really enjoy these vids.

[@coasternut3091]

DA-62 or DA-50 are my dream personal aircraft

[@jay_b..]

Amazing aircraft with the most economical engines. I think Diamond can add one more to their model range: a 8 or 10 seater with twin CD-300 engines that could also have a pressurised cabin.

[@wojciechmuras553]

Pressurization would be amazing. I would like a pressurized DA50 - now that Lancairs are no longer made, this would be an airplane in a class of its own.

[@jay_b..]

Also a toilet in a twin cd-300 engine aircraft would be great

[@iamra_n3189]

Indeed! They've aced the rest of the market, a true 21st century breed of SEP & MEP airplanes...A genuine, utility/CAT-capable replacemnet for the like of the "heavier twins" like PA31 & C404. Certainly well overdue IMO.

[@markg4459]

Price is a big issue for me. I bought a used but well-sorted Baron for a fraction of the cost. Can carry six folks and enjoy a 1940 lb UL at 185 kts. Sure I burn more fuel but I have about $800-850k still sitting in my acct & a bird that can be serviced almost anywhere.

[@aliibn-muhammadal-sharif8568]

What is the crusing range?

[@GaryMCurran]

I think my ONLY concern is the new CD-300 engine. No TBO, but TBR. That kind of worries me, and Continental doesn't have the greatest track record when it comes to Jet-A powered piston engines. Let me see in a year from now what the DA50 is doing. Having said that, if I was current, if I had my medical back and if I was in the market for an airplane, the DA-42 IV is the airplane I want. I would LOVE to see a pressurized DA62 in the future. Increase the size of the engines to put out 250 HP each, turbonormalized, OR, supercharged, and let the airplane cruise in the low 20s.

[@krome2ez]

Awesome video. I've been wondering the differences between the DA42 & DA62 and the DA40 & DA50. And I never heard about the DA20 before. Great info. Thanks,

[@LifeStyleAviation]

We're glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@toddcianciulli921]

My dream plane is a DA40 NG, but I'd also be thrilled with a DA-20. i just wish it was IFR certified

[@jordanwilliams3826]

Excellent overview of the Diamond Family! I work as a flight instructor on the Lycoming version of the DA40 and did my twin training in the DA42-L360. They are great platforms for training, an all round amazing aircraft!

[@Android811]

Don't be talking to your customers about stall spins in a DA-40! They are NOT certified for spins! The only fatal DA-40 crash I know about happened because they couldn't recover from an intentional spin.

[@RIB0S0ME]

Love the engineering that went into the Diamond airplanes.

[@LifeStyleAviation]

Us too, they're one of a kind!

[@markstevenson443]

I’m ordering a 50

[@markstevenson443]

:)

[@philipgledhill7227]

Awesome family. Would love to fly all of them. What a dream to be able to take to the skys in these planes happy flying everyone phil.

[@LifeStyleAviation]

Happy flying to you! Thanks for being here. 😎

[@Zanzabar5]

Can you do a video on how to afford one?

[@CascadiaAviation]

Is that right? The DA42 is the fastest one in the lineup?

[@planespeaking]

Want DA50 RG. It's the bonanza of the modern age.

[@redactedrider7606]

I learned in a da20. So im a bit biased But i love the looks of the diamonds.

[@Big.Ron1]

Back in the 90's I learned and got my PPL in the old Rotax powered DV/DA20 platforms that are the direct descendants of the HK36 motor glider. I also have about a dozen hours in the tail dragger version of the motor glider. Great airplanes. Maybe 140 to 150 hours in the older Diamonds. When I get my medical back I would love to fly the NG and the DA62. Besides, I have never flown a glass cockpit. Thank you and be safe.

[@LifeStyleAviation]

Love to hear your experience flying Diamonds! Thanks for sharing!

[@personalaccount6157]

EXCELLENT video. Thank you for the walkaround. Your passion for Diamonds and aviation, in general, is incredible.

[@LifeStyleAviation]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@dfwbassasin1496]

DA40 NG is my dream plane. I'm a simple man what can I say.

[@mohammadbarani5452]

These are all fantastic flying vehicles that I love to own and/fly. But when I look at the prices, not much hope left for me at least for a decade or two from now :-(. I wish less expensive aircrafts could be produced. Thanks for the fantastic information BTW.

[@LifeStyleAviation]

Of course, happy to answer any questions you have.

[@steini6771]

FAB presentation from a line of great planes. Thank you -

[@LifeStyleAviation]

Awesome! Thanks for watching!

[@AhmedShABazama]

Are we going to see something like DA52RG-NG a DA with two twin turbo charged CD-300 engines , maybe they will call it DA72 😁

[@iamra_n3189]

I'm kind of partial to the old school piston pounders of Continental & Lycoming tune. But there's no denying it...these Diamond aircraft are absolutely MINT! The way you said "business cruiser or family SUV"...uhhh, the ULTIMATE SUV!!! Show me someone's Pajero or Territory that can do that! Makes me want to just buy one right now! If Diamonnd could find it in them to enhance the capacity of the DA62, perhaps with a larger loading door for more appeal to cargo & CAT. Now that would be a genuine and much overdue replacement for the heavier light twins, like PA31 & C404. As much as I love those old piston pounders, these Diamonds are obviuosly superior and EXACTLY what the SEP/MEP class needs to remain relevant in the 21st century.

[@dimsler7934]

The rudder is cable operated.

[@tristanjohnson822]

Super cool video, I flew that exact DA40 a week ago. Its an amazing plane to fly, I haven't gotten to the Multi or CFI phase where I'll fly the 42 and 20, so the DA40 is the only Diamond I've flown. I can't speak for the other planes, but I absolutely love the DA40.

[@nunyabidness3075]

Diamond definitely built a much better plane and a much better value. It’s a shame they never figured out how to convince flight schools they had done this. Good presentation on all the ways the planes are better, though I believe there are cables and pulleys for the rudder, no?

[@PatrickMeehanco]

DA40 NG is my dream bird to fly now

[@LifeStyleAviation]

We fully support this 😎

[@whatmoughwedding]

+1

[@geertnoels7212]

I have one, and completely agree with you ;-)

[@Baminokrat]

I have a lot of time on a DA40 NXI, and loves that plane!

[@Factory400]

I was excited to see the DA62 at OSH, but could not see it as a good value. It is not fast with so so range. It looks great, the quality is amazing, it is definitely comfortable and reasonable economical on fuel burn - but without more speed and range I cannot see it as a 7 figure product.

[@yacahumax1431]

i think the value is in the extra safety. It just depend if you like to burn to a crisp after a crash or not.

[@fadedflage]

Operating costs pay for itself

[@vonbourque3015]

Will diamond ever build an upgraded DA20 that can be IFR certified?

[@__pie___]

I’ve flown that 20! GOMA, a really fun one to fly, but the six pack katanas are also really fun, iirc before they brought it to Oshkosh that year from London it had a full overhaul with the G500 and fancy nav comms.

[@Baminokrat]

Any chance we see a pressurized version of the 62 or 50? Pressurization is really missing for my long missions. I would buy a DA62-P in a heartbeat.

[@Eltern10]

Hello, may I ask what do you use the airplane for? Business trips? Thank you

[@joedoakes8307]

why does a 1.5 million dollar aircraft with a 300hp engine only carry 50 gallons of useable fuel ? What is the weight of the engine ? does the weight of the engine prevent the aircraft from carrying say 100 gallons of fuel giving the aircraft the range it should be capable of flying ?

[@BaikalTii]

everything you need to know about Diamond aircraft?- Wanfeng Aviation Industry, ltd.

[@herbbates4713]

Checking full fuel the 62 can hold 7 if they average 137 pounds and no lugage, the 50 will hole 4 with full fuel at 200 lbs each, so you are not filling any of these with fuel, luggage and filling all the seats, but if I hit it big in money I would get one I like the lower fuel requirements per hour

[@myplane150]

So, when will Diamond introduce the inevitable DA72 with the 300HP engines? I imagine they are thinking about it...☺

[@habu7176]

The only feature I don’t see discussed is where are the maintenance facilities to get oil changes and annual inspections?

[@UncleKennysPlace]

Still waiting on the pressurized DA82 twin ...

[@MartyDidier]

When is the DA82 coming?

[@WattsUpDev]

@@MartyDidier it’s not his being sarcastic

[@project.jericho]

Why do they have such tiny windshields? Who thought that was a winning idea?

[@NDCDA62]

Very nicely explained John!!

[@connorcecconi3075]

Great video! I actually flew C-GOMA just this morning, weird to see it here lol

[@LifeStyleAviation]

Haha very cool!

[@markstevenson443]

Oh well… Still a great airplane ❤

[@Blxz]

Now if we could get a DA62 before the end of this decade we'd really be cooking with gas. My dealer suggests a 5 year wait if I bought today which is just crazy talk. Diamond risks turning into the Tesla of planes in having a potentially great product that only drips a few models out a year.

[@chrisstrobel3439]

Man those DA20 seats are reclined pretty chill like .. anymore recline angle and you’d be in danger of falling asleep 😳 That’s why I like a good ol J3 Cub .. no danger of falling asleep in those seats lol. Diamond Aircraft rock 👍

[@ryankelley85091]

I want it all for no added cost. Six seats, pressurized, stall/spin proof, +200knts cruise at 75%, 8 gallons per hours at 75%, parachute, glass panel, comfortable leather interior, paint that turns heads, two engines, air conditioned, and I want it cheap! Can you help me Diamond?

[@cw4842]

Pressurazation in the Da42, Da50 or Da62 would be great, at least Da62, but wow best planes ever made in GA ! They should start turboprop once !

[@KuschallRacing]

hi.........i would love to heare your experties on , i think most geniues plane, the velocityfrom ruton...witch airplane in these categorys is now the savest and with less steering/operating handmanuver ?

[@rmp5s]

The DA40NG makes me want to get my pilot's license...

[@jamessnyder1637]

2:32 I fly 168LA at my flight school (Take Flight Aviation - Montgomery, NY KMGJ) awesome plane!!

[@speedomars]

Diamond is designed and made for the EU market. Cirrus owns the US market. Cirrus is sold and ferried to Europe...Diamond is assembled in Canada and sold in the US. Diamond make a good product, BUT they have retractable gear and cost more than Cirrus for each niche they compete in. Remember, its not enough to study the specs, price and type of fuel used...the MOST important aspect these days is insurability. And insurance companies are backing away from retractable planes.

[@josh885]

Now all Diamond needs to do is make a twin version of the 50RG with the CD-300 engines for more speed and higher service ceiling to sit above or replace the DA62. A plane like that would be the undisputed piston twin champ for the foreseeable future and be a real sweet spot for purchase price operating cost ect for a lot of people.

[@roywells5790]

I learned to fly in a diamond da 20. I was scared of heights and claustrophobic lol.

[@hxl6162]

How many years the epoxi of the composite structure lasts before it begins to become brittle and the structure of the plane is no longer safe?

[@maxq8652]

great info... great video... Amazing Aircraft... Thank you.

[@michaelhoffmann2891]

And then I wake up and still haven't won the lotto. Though I'd have to play first.

[@user-nd3lx1zg9t]

Never thought of having a diesel engine in an airplane. But their economy seems phenomenal.

[@LifeStyleAviation]

It's the future! Less fuel burn, no lead, more economical, more available worldwide

[@michaelhoffmann2891]

And it's simply Jet-A. None of the 100LL stuff that is going to get more rare and more expensive. What's it up to now? 8 bucks a gallon? More?

[@user-nd3lx1zg9t]

@@michaelhoffmann2891 Holy crap! $7.95 at Signature at KTMB (Miami Exec)! But it's $5.40 and $5.89 at Homestead General (X51) about 15 miles south.

[@airofd]

always buy the latest technology for aviation

[@karlwilliams8208]

Amazing aircraft 👍🏻

[@LifeStyleAviation]

We couldn't agree more!

[@lcprivatepilot1969]

If not CCP owned and if yokes or side-sticks were optional, I’d be all in.

[@Android811]

Diamond is Austrian. They also have a factory in Canada.

[@lcprivatepilot1969]

@@Android811 owned by CCP

[@demezon6572]

Ineffective design. 1500kg empty, 500kg useful load??? Piper Cherokee had BIGGER useful load than its MEW.

[@TRPGpilot]

Which one will kill you faster in a crash? Think about it before you answer . . .

[@TheEclectic]

Are you guys sponsored by Diamond?

[@urhiredhr421]

Amazing product.

[@JonathanFinkGroup]

Nice job John!

[@LifeStyleAviation]

Thanks Jonathan! Hope all is well with you and your flying!

[@mauricio02erazo]

no quiero otra cuenta fulminada por favor

[@joeljames5162]

can I own a diamond in any part of the world ?

[@guyrandom6151]

completely understand the principle behind making the seats fixed but there should be an option to either have the seat custom placed for the buyer or have some sorta pin mechanism to adjust the seats .... a 5'6 guy and a 6'3 guy needs different seat settings .

[@mertvaran5733]

We use booster pillows at my flight school lmao

[@barrycliborn5169]

I thought, read that the rudder controls were still cables and pulleys. You stated all push rods. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

[@Android811]

Correct, rudder system is cable. Cables run through a stupid "S" tube that causes a lot of wear too.

[@areafifty]

The plane I flew was a da20

[@jerryb5631]

Great video and presentation

[@mr.ginnationfunlifestyle3891]

The DA42 is an awesome plane, nothing like to compare with light twins. The DA 62 is huge in wing span, often a problem with personal t-hangars. It should have a bit more horsepower and maybe a pressurized cabin. Ok, then we will call it the DA 82? Two 300hp pressurized, FL 280, that’s the deal.

[@FryChicken]

Chinese owned

[@ismailerguvan9501]

The owner is the same. Only the Jews carry their money from the West to China.

[@kris4897]

Nice.

[@dsSpitfiremk4]

Any signs of life for the D jet yet?

[@WattsUpDev]

It’s gone man those days have passed

[@oldsnwbrdr]

I have yet to hear anyone explain why someone should buy a DA50 (with such little capability). It doesn’t fly particularly fast and definitely not far (and you probably need to fly at DA40 speeds to get there).

[@jhomrich89]

For those who want more room and comfort like the DA62 without the headache of two engines or may not use it for cross country hauls so useful load isn't as important; not every aircraft is meant for speed, and not every pilot wants to go fast

[@suzukirider9030]

A DA-40 with a better engine would be my pick. The IO-360 is old design and inefficient. The Austro-4 is heavy as hell and kind of underpowered. Rotax doesn't produce anything bigger than an 915iS. Perhaps an UL520iS would be good swap-in engine for a DA-40? ~200hp, flat-6, but lighter than the dinosaur Lycoming IO-360, can run on mogas. More fuel-efficient...

[@michaelklepacz]

Thank you so much for this

[@LifeStyleAviation]

You're so welcome!

[@michaelklepacz]

@@LifeStyleAviation I’ve been on the fence about them in general but when you went into such detail about why they look the way I do I was sold.

[@BlakeRogersNS]

4 min in, hands all over the trim tab... man that gave me anxiety.

[@andrewbeldin659]

I have to give it to Diamond, the 62 and 42 are fundamentally the best light twins out there. The DA62 is probably one of the best GA airplanes you can buy. However, I opted to move up to an SR22T from my 182 because I could not get my head wrapped around spenging $1MM+ and having a power plant(s) on the 50 or 62 that aren't well supported or widely worked on by A&P's. At least in the US. In the case of the Cirrus, essentially any A&P is likely to have robust experience with the Cont 550 platform. Sure, if you live in Florida lifestyle is right here. But, when I looked at the West Coast, and Mountain west regions where I do my flying, there was very limited options for service. Also made me VERY concerned about parts. Also, my passengers, regardless of experience and skill level, can pull the chute in an emergency.

[@dsSpitfiremk4]

That didn't work out well for a couple of people at the Knoxville Cirrus center a few days ago. They burned with the chute deployed, one fatality, one horrific injury. Start your iffs right about now...

[@andrewbeldin659]

@@dsSpitfiremk4 My man, the majority of my comment was about service support. Nobody said the chute, or any system for that matter, is a catch all.

[@andrewbeldin659]

@@dsSpitfiremk4 and I specifically mentioned chute deployment by passenger, implying pilot incapacitation.

[@LifeStyleAviation]

Thanks for the comment! We are working hard to develop additional service centers and aircraft support across the west coast region with new locations already in place. Contact us for a full list of available service centers at [e-mail]. 😎

[@Android811]

They come in a lycomming option too

[@SR-bh5jd]

The unknown of surface delaminating due to service life and environment.

[@MartyDidier]

Composites show terrific value over Aluminum Riveted structures, but there hasn’t been enough time in service to show its durability! Multimillion $$ Sailing boats have been using Fiberglass and some are switching over to tougher materials. There also hasn’t been enough service time to show durability. Added techniques of vacuuming the assembly to remove air bubbles is more common place especially on airplanes and guarantee a more ridged structure. Understand Assemblies can be many times stronger than same Aluminum Assemblies. Drawback is parts are made in Molds. Production Molds cost plenty! Molded parts such as the Fuselage will be smooth, sleek and slipperier than Aluminum Assemblies. It’s going to be an interesting future!

[@MartyDidier]

Need to warn everyone... Automated Flying Systems especially using Servos embedded near Control Surfaces may be vulnerable to Hacking as when coming in for a landing. Hacking will focus on radically causing the Control Surface to kick over to one side. We are witnessing this happening already in some crashes. Having mechanical control of Control Surfaces insures this Problem does appear. Hence, having Automation with Servos needs to include a mechanical disconnect not electronic disconnect designed in the Control Systems.

[@naughtyUphillboy]

Great planes.......just make them a little cheaper

[@naughtyUphillboy]

When is BRS available in DA50 ???????????????