American Champion Citabria vs Piper Super Cub

The Citabria and Piper Super Cub are classic high-wing tailwheel two-seaters — the Citabria side-by-side... no, both tandem; the Citabria more aerobatic/sport, the Super Cub more bush/STOL.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily

American Champion Citabria

No active listings right now.

Piper Super Cub
For sale now
48
Median asking
$136,875
Range
$63,716–$223,750
Model years available
1944–2024

Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model American Champion Citabria Piper Super Cub
American Champion Citabria
View 2 listings →
Median $35,127
Piper Super Cub
View 57 listings →
Median $136,875
Price Range $27,021 – $43,234 $63,716 – $223,750
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 2 2
Horsepower 160 HP 150 HP
Cruise Speed 110 kts (204 km/h) 100 kts (185 km/h)
Range 480 nm (889 km) 400 nm (741 km)
Service Ceiling 15,500 ft (4,724 m) 19,000 ft (5,791 m)
Max Gross Weight 1,750 lbs (794 kg)
Useful Load 550 lbs (249 kg) 800 lbs (363 kg)
Fuel Burn 9.0 GPH (34 L/h) 7.7 GPH (29 L/h)
Engines 1 x Piston 1 x Piston

Which Should You Buy: American Champion Citabria or Piper Super Cub?

Bottom line: Choose the Super Cub for bush/STOL ability and legendary backcountry pedigree; choose the Citabria for aerobatic capability and lower cost as a tailwheel trainer/sport aircraft. Super Cub = bush; Citabria = aerobatic/value.

Pick the Citabria if…

  • Budget matters — from $27,021 vs $63,716, you save ~$36,695.
  • Faster cruise — 110 kts vs 100 kts.
  • Longer range — 480 nm vs 400 nm.

Pick the Super Cub if…

  • More inventory — 57 listings vs 2.

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, American Champion Citabria or Piper Super Cub?
It depends on your mission and budget. The Citabria cruises at 110 kts with 480 nm range. The Super Cub cruises at 100 kts with 400 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
American Champion Citabria: from $27,021. Piper Super Cub: from $220,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between American Champion Citabria and Piper Super Cub?
Cruise: 110 vs 100 kts. Range: 480 vs 400 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Variable cost includes fuel, reserves and overhaul accruals. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add to the total.
Which has more seats and useful load?
Citabria: 2 seats / 550 lb useful load. Super Cub: 2 seats / 800 lb useful load. Useful load = max gross weight minus empty weight; it determines how much fuel plus payload you can carry.
How does maintenance compare — TBO and overhaul cost?
Reaching the time-between-overhaul (TBO) triggers a mandatory engine/airframe rebuild that affects resale value.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.
Prices updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data