Cessna 120 vs Cessna 140

The Cessna 120 and Cessna 140 are the post-war two-seat taildraggers that put many pilots in the air — and the 120 vs 140 choice is stripped-down economy versus the fuller-featured version. Both are light tailwheel singles with the same basic airframe; the 140 added flaps, rear side windows and an electrical system, while the 120 was the simpler, lower-cost model. What each costs now, and how many are listed, is below.

Live Market Snapshot

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

Cessna 120
For sale now
4
Source marketplaces
2
Model years available
1946–1948
Cessna 140
For sale now
13
Median asking
$39,000
Range
$24,200–$57,500
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
2
Source marketplaces
4
Model years available
1946–1966

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

Safety Record

Absolute counts scale with fleet size — the most-produced types log more events without being less safe. Compare the % fatal.

NTSB (1982–now)Cessna 120Cessna 140
All events163460
Serious1532
Fatal1235
Fatalities1951
% Fatal7%8%
View full Cessna 120 NTSB record →View full Cessna 140 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Cessna 120 Cessna 140
Cessna 120
View 5 listings →
Median $36,750
 Cessna 140
View 12 listings →
Median $39,000
Price Range $20,900 – $43,053 $24,200 – $57,500
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 2 2
Horsepower 85 HP 85 HP
Cruise Speed 90 kts (167 km/h) 90 kts (167 km/h)
Range 400 nm (741 km) 420 nm (778 km)
Service Ceiling 15,000 ft (4,572 m) 15,500 ft (4,724 m)
Max Gross Weight 1,450 lbs (658 kg) 1,450 lbs (658 kg)
Useful Load 500 lbs (227 kg) 500 lbs (227 kg)
Fuel Capacity 25.0 gal (95 L) 25.0 gal (95 L)
Fuel Burn 5.0 GPH (19 L/h) 5.0 GPH (19 L/h)
TBO 1,800 hrs 1,800 hrs
Overhaul Cost $18,000 $18,000
Annual Fixed $10,000 $10,000
Hourly Variable $80 $80
Engines 1 x Piston 1 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Cessna 120

Fuel$28/hr
Variable$80/hr
Annual Fixed$10,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $26,000/yr

Cessna 140

Fuel$28/hr
Variable$80/hr
Annual Fixed$10,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $26,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Cessna 120 or Cessna 140?

Bottom line: Choose the 120 for the most affordable way into a classic taildragger — simple, light and cheap to own, perfect for sport flying and building tailwheel time. Choose the 140 for the more complete airplane — flaps, an electrical system and rear windows make it a bit more practical and comfortable, usually at a modest premium. On safety both are honest, forgiving taildraggers that reward tailwheel proficiency and currency; the differences are features and comfort, not safety. The 120 is the economy classic; the 140 is the better-equipped version.

Pick the 120 if…

  • Budget matters — from $20,900 vs $24,200, you save ~$3,300.

Pick the 140 if…

  • Longer range — 420 nm vs 400 nm.
  • More inventory — 12 listings vs 5.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between the Cessna 120 and 140?
The 140 added flaps, an electrical system and rear side windows; the 120 was the stripped-down, lower-cost model. Both are two-seat tailwheel singles on the same airframe.
Do they need tailwheel training?
Yes — both are taildraggers and require tailwheel proficiency and currency. With proper training they're delightful, economical classics.
Which is the better first taildragger?
Both work well; the 140's flaps and electrics make it a little more versatile, while the 120 is cheaper to buy. Condition and engine time usually matter more than the model.
Which is better, Cessna 120 or Cessna 140?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 120 cruises at 90 kts with 400 nm range. The 140 cruises at 90 kts with 420 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 120: from $45,000. Cessna 140: from $28,500. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 120 and Cessna 140?
120 engine: CONTINENTAL C-85-12;C-85-12F;C-90-12F;C-90-14F;O-235-C1 (85 hp). 140 engine: CONTINENTAL C-85-12;C-85-12F;C-90-12F;C-90-14F;O-235-C1 (85 hp). Cruise: 90 vs 90 kts. Range: 400 vs 420 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
120: about $80/hr variable cost. 140: about $80/hr variable cost. 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?
120: 2 seats / 500 lb useful load. 140: 2 seats / 500 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?
120: 1,800-hour TBO, overhaul ~$18,000. 140: 1,800-hour TBO, overhaul ~$18,000. 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