Stinson 108-3 vs Cessna 170
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Stinson 108-3
- For sale now
- 1
- Source marketplaces
- 1
- Model years available
- 1947–1947
Cessna 170
- For sale now
- 17
- Median asking
- $144,500
- Range
- $52,942–$244,775
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 5
- Source marketplaces
- 5
- Model years available
- 1948–1985
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
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) | Stinson 108-3 | Cessna 170 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 100 | 728 |
| Serious | 11 | 52 |
| Fatal | 9 | 56 |
| Fatalities | 19 | 98 |
| % Fatal | 9% | 8% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Stinson 108-3 | Cessna 170 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $87,500 | $52,942 – $244,775 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 1 | 4 |
| Horsepower | — | 145 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 105 kts (194 km/h) | 105 kts (194 km/h) |
| Range | 443 nm (820 km) | 500 nm (926 km) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,400 lbs (1,089 kg) | 2,200 lbs (998 kg) |
| Useful Load | — | 900 lbs (408 kg) |
| Fuel Burn | — | 9.0 GPH (34 L/h) |
| TBO | — | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $30,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $18,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $130 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Reciprocating |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateStinson 108-3
Cessna 170
Fuel$50/hr
Variable$130/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$44,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Stinson 108-3 or Cessna 170?
Pick the 108-3 if…
Pick the 170 if…
- Budget matters — from $52,942 vs $87,500, you save ~$34,558.
- More seats — 4 vs 1.
- Longer range — 500 nm vs 443 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1948 vs 1947.
- More inventory — 18 listings vs 1.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Stinson 108-3 or Cessna 170?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 108-3 cruises at 105 kts with 443 nm range.
The 170 cruises at 105 kts with 500 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Stinson 108-3: from $87,500.
Cessna 170: from $159,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Stinson 108-3 and Cessna 170?
108-3 engine: Franklin 6A4-165-B3;6A4-165-B5.
170 engine: Continental C145-2 (145 hp).
Seats: 1 vs 4.
Cruise: 105 vs 105 kts.
Range: 443 vs 500 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
170: about $130/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?
108-3: 1 seats.
170: 4 seats / 900 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?
170: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$30,000.
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