Curtiss P-40 vs Supermarine Spitfire
The P-40 Warhawk and Spitfire are WWII fighter warbirds — the P-40 the rugged Allison fighter, the Spitfire the premium Merlin icon.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle
- For sale now
- 2
- Model years available
- 1942–1943
No active listings right now.
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) | Curtiss P-40 | Supermarine Spitfire |
|---|---|---|
| All events | — | 3 |
| Serious | — | 0 |
| Fatal | — | 2 |
| Fatalities | — | 2 |
| % Fatal | — | 67% |
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Curtiss P-40 | Supermarine Spitfire |
|---|---|---|
|
Median $2,950,979
|
|
|
| Price Range | $2,950,979 | — |
| Category | — | — |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 1 | 1 |
| Horsepower | 1,150 HP | 1,470 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 300 kts (556 km/h) | 290 kts (537 km/h) |
| Range | 650 nm (1,204 km) | 852 nm (1,578 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 29,000 ft (8,839 m) | 36,000 ft (10,973 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | — | 7,400 lbs (3,357 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,000 lbs (454 kg) | 1,800 lbs (816 kg) |
| Fuel Burn | 60.0 GPH (227 L/h) | 60.0 GPH (227 L/h) |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Which Should You Buy: Curtiss P-40 or Supermarine Spitfire?
Bottom line: Choose the P-40 for a more attainable, rugged warbird; choose the Spitfire for iconic handling and top-tier pedigree (at higher cost). P-40 = rugged/attainable; Spitfire = icon/premium.
Pick the P-40 if…
- Faster cruise — 300 kts vs 290 kts.
Pick the Spitfire if…
- Longer range — 852 nm vs 650 nm.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.