Cessna 140 vs Piper J-3 Cub
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna 140 | Piper J-3 Cub |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $18,500 – $69,500 | $7,500 – $101,320 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | 2 |
| Horsepower | 85 HP | — |
| Cruise Speed | 90 kts (167 km/h) | — |
| Range | 420 nm (778 km) | — |
| Max Gross Weight | 12,500 lbs (5,670 kg) | — |
| Useful Load | 500 lbs (227 kg) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 5.0 GPH (19 L/h) | — |
| TBO | 1,800 hrs | — |
| Overhaul Cost | $18,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $10,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $80 | — |
| Engines | 1 x 4-Cycle | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 140
Fuel$28/hr
Variable$80/hr
Annual Fixed$10,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$26,000/yr
Piper J-3 Cub
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 140 or Piper J-3 Cub?
Pick the 140 if…
- Newer design — production from 1946 vs 1937.
Pick the J-3 Cub if…
- Budget matters — from $7,500 vs $18,500, you save ~$11,000.
- More inventory — 29 listings vs 11.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Cessna 140 or Piper J-3 Cub?
It depends on your mission and budget.
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 140: from $28,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 140 and Piper J-3 Cub?
140 engine: Continental;Lycoming C-85-12;C-85-12F;C-90-12F;C-90-14F;O-235-C1 (85 hp).
J-3 Cub engine: Continental A-40.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
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?
140: 2 seats / 500 lb useful load.
J-3 Cub: 2 seats.
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?
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