Cessna 152 vs Luscombe Silvaire 8E
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Cessna 152
- For sale now
- 59
- Median asking
- $70,000
- Range
- $45,545–$117,000
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 19
- Source marketplaces
- 11
- Model years available
- 1977–1983
Luscombe Silvaire 8E
- For sale now
- 4
- Source marketplaces
- 3
- Model years available
- 1946–1947
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 152 | Luscombe Silvaire 8E |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 2435 | — |
| Serious | 130 | — |
| Fatal | 255 | — |
| Fatalities | 386 | — |
| % Fatal | 10% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna 152 | Luscombe Silvaire 8E |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $45,545 – $117,000 | $38,500 – $47,500 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | 2 |
| Horsepower | 110 HP | 85 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 100 kts (185 km/h) | 100 kts (185 km/h) |
| Range | 415 nm (769 km) | 420 nm (778 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,700 ft (4,481 m) | 17,000 ft (5,182 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 1,670 lbs (758 kg) | — |
| Useful Load | 528 lbs (240 kg) | 550 lbs (249 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 26.0 gal (98 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 6.1 GPH (23 L/h) | 5.0 GPH (19 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,400 hrs | — |
| Overhaul Cost | $22,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $15,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $100 | — |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 152
Fuel$34/hr
Variable$100/hr
Annual Fixed$15,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$35,000/yr
Luscombe Silvaire 8E
Fuel$28/hr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 152 or Luscombe Silvaire 8E?
Pick the 152 if…
- Newer design — production from 1977 vs 1948.
- More inventory — 59 listings vs 4.
Pick the Silvaire 8E if…
- Budget matters — from $38,500 vs $45,545, you save ~$7,045.
- Longer range — 420 nm vs 415 nm.
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 152 or Luscombe Silvaire 8E?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 152 cruises at 100 kts with 415 nm range.
The Silvaire 8E cruises at 100 kts with 420 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 152: from $89,000.
Luscombe Silvaire 8E: from $48,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 152 and Luscombe Silvaire 8E?
152 engine: Lycoming O-235 (110 hp).
Cruise: 100 vs 100 kts.
Range: 415 vs 420 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
152: about $100/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?
152: 2 seats / 528 lb useful load.
Silvaire 8E: 2 seats / 550 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?
152: 2,400-hour TBO, overhaul ~$22,000.
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