Cessna 140 vs Piper J-3 Cub
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Cessna 140
- For sale now
- 13
- Median asking
- $39,000
- Range
- $24,200–$57,500
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 2
- Source marketplaces
- 4
- Model years available
- 1946–1966
Piper J-3 Cub
- For sale now
- 26
- Median asking
- $63,100
- Range
- $34,050–$88,500
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 7
- Source marketplaces
- 8
- Model years available
- 1939–1947
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 140 | Piper J-3 Cub |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 460 | 3 |
| Serious | 32 | 0 |
| Fatal | 35 | 0 |
| Fatalities | 51 | 0 |
| % Fatal | 8% | 0% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna 140 | Piper J-3 Cub |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $24,200 – $57,500 | $34,050 – $88,500 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | 2 |
| Horsepower | 85 HP | — |
| Cruise Speed | 90 kts (167 km/h) | 65 kts (120 km/h) |
| Range | 420 nm (778 km) | 191 nm (354 km) |
| Max Gross Weight | 1,450 lbs (658 kg) | 1,220 lbs (553 kg) |
| Useful Load | 500 lbs (227 kg) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 5.0 GPH (19 L/h) | — |
| TBO | 1,800 hrs | — |
| Overhaul Cost | $18,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $10,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $80 | — |
| Engines | 1 x 4-Cycle | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 140
Fuel$28/hr
Variable$80/hr
Annual Fixed$10,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$26,000/yr
Piper J-3 Cub
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 140 or Piper J-3 Cub?
Pick the 140 if…
- Budget matters — from $24,200 vs $34,050, you save ~$9,850.
- Faster cruise — 90 kts vs 65 kts.
- Longer range — 420 nm vs 191 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1946 vs 1937.
Pick the J-3 Cub if…
- More inventory — 29 listings vs 14.
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 140 or Piper J-3 Cub?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 140 cruises at 90 kts with 420 nm range.
The J-3 Cub cruises at 65 kts with 191 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 140: from $30,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 140 and Piper J-3 Cub?
140 engine: Continental;Lycoming C-85-12;C-85-12F;C-90-12F;C-90-14F;O-235-C1 (85 hp).
J-3 Cub engine: Continental A-40.
Cruise: 90 vs 65 kts.
Range: 420 vs 191 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
140: about $80/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?
140: 2 seats / 500 lb useful load.
J-3 Cub: 2 seats.
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?
140: 1,800-hour TBO, overhaul ~$18,000.
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