Curtiss P-40 vs North American P-51 Mustang
The Curtiss P-40 Warhawk and North American P-51 Mustang are WWII American fighter warbirds — the P-40 the rugged early-war Allison fighter, the P-51 the higher-performance Merlin escort.
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Curtiss P-40 | North American P-51 Mustang |
|---|---|---|
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| Price Range | $3,003,046 | — |
| Category | — | Warbirds |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 1 | — |
| Cruise Speed | 1 kts (2 km/h) | — |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | — |
Which Should You Buy: Curtiss P-40 or North American P-51 Mustang?
Bottom line: Choose the P-40 for a (relatively) more attainable, rugged WWII fighter with strong shark-mouth character; choose the P-51 for higher performance, range and the larger flying fleet/support. P-40 = attainable/rugged; P-51 = performance/fleet.
Pick the P-40 if…
- More inventory — 2 listings vs 1.
Pick the P-51 Mustang if…
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Curtiss P-40 or North American P-51 Mustang?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The P-40 cruises at 1 kts.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Curtiss P-40 and North American P-51 Mustang?
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?
P-40: 1 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?
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