Piper J-3 Cub vs Cessna 210
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Piper J-3 Cub | Cessna 210 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $7,500 – $101,302 | $39,995 – $975,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | 6 |
| Horsepower | — | 300 HP |
| Cruise Speed | — | 164 kts (304 km/h) |
| Range | — | 900 nm (1,667 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 17,300 ft (5,273 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | — | 3,800 lbs (1,724 kg) |
| Useful Load | — | 1,310 lbs (594 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 90.0 gal (341 L) |
| Fuel Burn | — | 14.5 GPH (55 L/h) |
| TBO | — | 1,500 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $35,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $22,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $175 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimatePiper J-3 Cub
Cessna 210
Fuel$80/hr
Variable$175/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$57,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Piper J-3 Cub or Cessna 210?
Pick the J-3 Cub if…
- Budget matters — from $7,500 vs $39,995, you save ~$32,495.
Pick the 210 if…
- More seats — 6 vs 2.
- Newer design — production from 1960 vs 1937.
- More inventory — 168 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 210?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 210 cruises at 164 kts with 900 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 210?
J-3 Cub engine: Continental A-40.
210 engine: Continental IO-470-E (300 hp).
Seats: 2 vs 6.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
210: about $175/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.
210: 6 seats / 1,310 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?
210: 1,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$35,000.
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