Piper J-3 Cub vs Cessna 182
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Piper J-3 Cub | Cessna 182 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $7,500 – $101,302 | $14,500 – $870,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | 4 |
| Horsepower | — | 230 HP |
| Cruise Speed | — | 140 kts (259 km/h) |
| Range | — | 915 nm (1,695 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 18,100 ft (5,517 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | — | 3,100 lbs (1,406 kg) |
| Useful Load | — | 1,110 lbs (503 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 92.0 gal (348 L) |
| Fuel Burn | — | 12.5 GPH (47 L/h) |
| TBO | — | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $32,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $20,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $160 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimatePiper J-3 Cub
Cessna 182
Fuel$69/hr
Variable$160/hr
Annual Fixed$20,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$52,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Piper J-3 Cub or Cessna 182?
Pick the J-3 Cub if…
- Budget matters — from $7,500 vs $14,500, you save ~$7,000.
Pick the 182 if…
- More seats — 4 vs 2.
- Newer design — production from 1956 vs 1937.
- More inventory — 471 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 182?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 182 cruises at 140 kts with 915 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.
Cessna 182: from $220,000.
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 182?
J-3 Cub engine: Continental A-40.
182 engine: Continental O-470-L (230 hp).
Seats: 2 vs 4.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
182: about $160/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.
182: 4 seats / 1,110 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?
182: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$32,000.
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