Mooney M20 vs Piper J-4 Cub Coupe
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle
Mooney M20
- For sale now
- 97
- Median asking
- $88,000
- Range
- $48,510–$144,410
- Model years available
- 1961–1980
Piper J-4 Cub Coupe
- For sale now
- 1
- Model years available
- 1940–1940
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
Safety Record
Absolute counts scale with fleet size — the most-produced types log more events without being less safe. Compare the % fatal.
| NTSB (1982–now) | Mooney M20 | Piper J-4 Cub Coupe |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 1232 | — |
| Serious | 137 | — |
| Fatal | 353 | — |
| Fatalities | 633 | — |
| % Fatal | 29% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Mooney M20 | Piper J-4 Cub Coupe |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $48,510 – $144,410 | $35,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | — | 2 |
| Horsepower | — | 65 HP |
| Cruise Speed | — | 80 kts (148 km/h) |
| Range | — | 310 nm (574 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 12,000 ft (3,658 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | — | 1,300 lbs (590 kg) |
| Useful Load | — | 500 lbs (227 kg) |
| Fuel Burn | — | 4.5 GPH (17 L/h) |
| Engines | — | 1 x Piston |
Which Should You Buy: Mooney M20 or Piper J-4 Cub Coupe?
Pick the M20 if…
Pick the J-4 Cub Coupe if…
- Budget matters — from $35,000 vs $48,510, you save ~$13,510.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Mooney M20 or Piper J-4 Cub Coupe?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The J-4 Cub Coupe cruises at 80 kts with 310 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Mooney M20: from $59,500.
Piper J-4 Cub Coupe: from $35,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Mooney M20 and Piper J-4 Cub Coupe?
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-4 Cub Coupe: 2 seats / 500 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 re-checked on a rolling cycle — most within a few days · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data