Piper Super Cub vs Cubcrafters XCub vs Cessna 185
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle
Piper Super Cub
- For sale now
- 48
- Median asking
- $136,875
- Range
- $63,716–$223,750
- Model years available
- 1944–2024
Cubcrafters XCub
- For sale now
- 14
- Median asking
- $454,950
- Range
- $358,215–$563,935
- Model years available
- 2016–2024
Cessna 185
- For sale now
- 70
- Median asking
- $280,000
- Range
- $189,000–$429,900
- Model years available
- 1961–1985
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Piper Super Cub | Cubcrafters Xcub | Cessna 185 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $63,716 – $223,750 | $358,215 – $563,935 | $189,000 – $429,900 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | |||
| Seats | 2 | 2 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 150 HP | 215 HP | 300 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 100 kts (185 km/h) | 126 kts (233 km/h) | 145 kts (269 km/h) |
| Range | 400 nm (741 km) | 700 nm (1,296 km) | 720 nm (1,333 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 19,000 ft (5,791 m) | 18,000 ft (5,486 m) | 17,150 ft (5,227 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 1,750 lbs (794 kg) | 2,300 lbs (1,043 kg) | 3,350 lbs (1,520 kg) |
| Useful Load | 800 lbs (363 kg) | 900 lbs (408 kg) | 1,440 lbs (653 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | — | 84.0 gal (318 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 7.7 GPH (29 L/h) | 9.0 GPH (34 L/h) | 15.5 GPH (59 L/h) |
| TBO | — | — | 1,700 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | — | $35,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | — | $22,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | — | $175 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimatePiper Super Cub
Fuel$42/hr
Cubcrafters Xcub
Fuel$50/hr
Cessna 185
Fuel$85/hr
Variable$175/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$57,000/yr
Which Should You Buy?
Pick the Super Cub if…
- Lowest entry price — from $63,716
- Most listings for sale — 57
Pick the XCub if…
The balanced middle choice — no single category standout, but competitive on price, capability and running costs.
Pick the 185 if…
- Most seats — 6
- Fastest cruise — 145 kts
- Longest range — 720 nm
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 Super Cub, Cubcrafters Xcub or Cessna 185?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Super Cub cruises at 100 kts with 400 nm range.
The Xcub cruises at 126 kts with 700 nm range.
The 185 cruises at 145 kts with 720 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Piper Super Cub: from $220,000.
Cubcrafters Xcub: from $549,900.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
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