Lockheed L-12A Electra Junior vs Piper Twin Comanche

Live Market Snapshot

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

Lockheed L-12A Electra Junior
For sale now
1
Model years available
1941–1941
Piper Twin Comanche
For sale now
23
Median asking
$143,000
Range
$105,000–$210,000
Model years available
1964–1973

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

Full Specs Comparison

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Spec / Model Lockheed L-12A Electra Junior Piper Twin Comanche
Lockheed L-12A Electra Junior
View 1 listings →
Piper Twin Comanche
View 29 listings →
Median $143,000
Price Range $105,000 – $210,000
Category Multi Engine Piston Multi Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 6 4
Horsepower 450 HP 160 HP
Cruise Speed 185 kts (343 km/h) 155 kts (287 km/h)
Range 700 nm (1,296 km) 1,000 nm (1,852 km)
Service Ceiling 22,000 ft (6,706 m) 18,600 ft (5,669 m)
Max Gross Weight 8,650 lbs (3,924 kg) 3,725 lbs (1,690 kg)
Useful Load 2,500 lbs (1,134 kg) 1,450 lbs (658 kg)
Fuel Burn 50.0 GPH (189 L/h) 16.0 GPH (61 L/h)
Engines 2 x Piston 2 x Piston

Which Should You Buy: Lockheed L-12A Electra Junior or Piper Twin Comanche?

Pick the L-12A Electra Junior if…

  • More seats — 6 vs 4.
  • Faster cruise — 185 kts vs 155 kts.

Pick the Twin Comanche if…

  • Longer range — 1000 nm vs 700 nm.
  • More inventory — 29 listings vs 1.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Lockheed L-12A Electra Junior or Piper Twin Comanche?
It depends on your mission and budget. The L-12A Electra Junior cruises at 185 kts with 700 nm range. The Twin Comanche cruises at 155 kts with 1,000 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Piper Twin Comanche: from $178,649. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Lockheed L-12A Electra Junior and Piper Twin Comanche?
L-12A Electra Junior engine: Pratt & Whitney R-985 (450 hp). Seats: 6 vs 4. Cruise: 185 vs 155 kts. Range: 700 vs 1000 nm.
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?
L-12A Electra Junior: 6 seats / 2,500 lb useful load. Twin Comanche: 4 seats / 1,450 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?
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