Piper J-3 Cub vs Piper Super Cub
The Piper Super Cub (PA-18) and J-3 Cub are the iconic Piper taildraggers — the J-3 is the light, minimalist 1930s-40s classic; the Super Cub is the more powerful, more capable back-country development.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Piper J-3 Cub | Piper Super Cub |
|---|---|---|
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|
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| Price Range | $7,500 – $101,267 | $55,289 – $400,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | — |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | — |
Which Should You Buy: Piper J-3 Cub or Piper Super Cub?
Bottom line: Choose the Super Cub for real back-country/utility capability — more power, useful load and STOL performance. Choose the J-3 Cub for pure, light, low-and-slow classic flying and the lowest operating cost — a vintage experience rather than a working bush plane.
Pick the J-3 Cub if…
- Budget matters — from $7,500 vs $55,289, you save ~$47,789.
Pick the Super Cub if…
- More inventory — 47 listings vs 27.
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 Piper Super Cub?
It depends on your mission and budget.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Piper J-3 Cub: from $100,935.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Piper J-3 Cub and Piper Super Cub?
J-3 Cub engine: Continental A-40.
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?
J-3 Cub: 2 seats.
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