Piper J-3 Cub vs Cessna 150
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Piper J-3 Cub | Cessna 150 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $7,500 – $101,302 | $25,000 – $129,900 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | 2 |
| Horsepower | — | 100 HP |
| Cruise Speed | — | 97 kts (180 km/h) |
| Range | — | 420 nm (778 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | — | 1,600 lbs (726 kg) |
| Useful Load | — | 530 lbs (240 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 26.0 gal (98 L) |
| Fuel Burn | — | 6.0 GPH (23 L/h) |
| TBO | — | 2,400 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $25,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $15,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $100 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimatePiper J-3 Cub
Cessna 150
Fuel$33/hr
Variable$100/hr
Annual Fixed$15,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$35,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Piper J-3 Cub or Cessna 150?
Pick the J-3 Cub if…
- Budget matters — from $7,500 vs $25,000, you save ~$17,500.
Pick the 150 if…
- Newer design — production from 1959 vs 1937.
- More inventory — 123 listings vs 28.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Piper J-3 Cub or Cessna 150?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 150 cruises at 97 kts with 420 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Piper J-3 Cub: from $33,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Piper J-3 Cub and Cessna 150?
J-3 Cub engine: Continental A-40.
150 engine: Continental O-200 (100 hp).
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
150: 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?
J-3 Cub: 2 seats.
150: 2 seats / 530 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?
150: 2,400-hour TBO, overhaul ~$25,000.
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