Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser vs Cessna 152
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser
- For sale now
- 12
- Median asking
- $80,000
- Range
- $56,750–$172,500
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 3
- Source marketplaces
- 2
- Model years available
- 1946–1947
Cessna 152
- For sale now
- 59
- Median asking
- $70,000
- Range
- $45,545–$117,000
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 19
- Source marketplaces
- 11
- Model years available
- 1977–1983
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) | Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser | Cessna 152 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | — | 2435 |
| Serious | — | 130 |
| Fatal | — | 255 |
| Fatalities | — | 386 |
| % Fatal | — | 10% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser | Cessna 152 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $56,750 – $172,500 | $45,545 – $117,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | — | 2 |
| Horsepower | — | 110 HP |
| Cruise Speed | — | 100 kts (185 km/h) |
| Range | 520 nm (963 km) | 415 nm (769 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 14,700 ft (4,481 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 1,750 lbs (794 kg) | 1,670 lbs (758 kg) |
| Useful Load | — | 528 lbs (240 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 26.0 gal (98 L) |
| Fuel Burn | — | 6.1 GPH (23 L/h) |
| TBO | — | 2,400 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $22,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $15,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $100 |
| Engines | — | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimatePiper PA-12 Super Cruiser
Cessna 152
Fuel$34/hr
Variable$100/hr
Annual Fixed$15,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$35,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser or Cessna 152?
Pick the PA-12 Super Cruiser if…
- Longer range — 520 nm vs 415 nm.
Pick the 152 if…
- Budget matters — from $45,545 vs $56,750, you save ~$11,205.
- More inventory — 59 listings vs 15.
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 PA-12 Super Cruiser or Cessna 152?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 152 cruises at 100 kts with 415 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser: from $85,000.
Cessna 152: from $75,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser and Cessna 152?
152 engine: Lycoming O-235 (110 hp).
Range: 520 vs 415 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.
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 updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data