Cessna 152 vs Piper PA-11 Cub Special
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle
Cessna 152
- For sale now
- 63
- Median asking
- $73,700
- Range
- $46,108–$121,659
- Model years available
- 1977–1986
Piper PA-11 Cub Special
- For sale now
- 2
- Model years available
- 1949–2017
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) | Cessna 152 | Piper PA-11 Cub Special |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 2435 | — |
| Serious | 130 | — |
| Fatal | 255 | — |
| Fatalities | 386 | — |
| % Fatal | 10% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna 152 | Piper PA-11 Cub Special |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $46,108 – $121,659 | $41,875 – $75,625 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | 2 |
| Horsepower | 110 HP | 65 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 100 kts (185 km/h) | 75 kts (139 km/h) |
| Range | 415 nm (769 km) | 275 nm (509 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,700 ft (4,481 m) | 12,000 ft (3,658 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 1,670 lbs (758 kg) | — |
| Useful Load | 528 lbs (240 kg) | 500 lbs (227 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 26.0 gal (98 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 6.1 GPH (23 L/h) | 4.5 GPH (17 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,400 hrs | — |
| Overhaul Cost | $22,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $15,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $100 | — |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 152
Fuel$34/hr
Variable$100/hr
Annual Fixed$15,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$35,000/yr
Piper PA-11 Cub Special
Fuel$25/hr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 152 or Piper PA-11 Cub Special?
Pick the 152 if…
- Faster cruise — 100 kts vs 75 kts.
- Longer range — 415 nm vs 275 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1977 vs 1947.
- More inventory — 60 listings vs 2.
Pick the PA-11 Cub Special if…
- Budget matters — from $41,875 vs $46,108, you save ~$4,233.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Cessna 152 or Piper PA-11 Cub Special?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 152 cruises at 100 kts with 415 nm range.
The PA-11 Cub Special cruises at 75 kts with 275 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 152: from $89,000.
Piper PA-11 Cub Special: from $77,500.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 152 and Piper PA-11 Cub Special?
152 engine: LYCOMING O-235 (110 hp).
PA-11 Cub Special engine: Continental A65-8 (65 hp).
Cruise: 100 vs 75 kts.
Range: 415 vs 275 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
152: 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?
152: 2 seats / 528 lb useful load.
PA-11 Cub Special: 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?
152: 2,400-hour TBO, overhaul ~$22,000.
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 re-checked on a rolling cycle — most within a few days · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data