Cessna 170 vs Stinson 108

The Stinson 108 Voyager and Cessna 170 are classic four-seat high-wing taildragger tourers of the late 1940s — the Stinson roomier and more characterful, the 170 the Cessna-supported benchmark.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily

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
Stinson 108
For sale now
2
Source marketplaces
1
Model years available
1946–1946

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 170Stinson 108
All events728390
Serious5247
Fatal5632
Fatalities9857
% Fatal8%8%
View full Cessna 170 NTSB record →View full Stinson 108 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Cessna 170 Stinson 108
Cessna 170
View 18 listings →
Median $144,500
 Stinson 108
View 2 listings →
Median $54,500
Price Range $52,942 – $244,775 $23,450 – $85,550
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 4 1
Horsepower 145 HP —
Cruise Speed 105 kts (194 km/h) 105 kts (194 km/h)
Range 500 nm (926 km) —
Max Gross Weight 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 Reciprocating 1 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Cessna 170

Fuel$50/hr
Variable$130/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $44,000/yr

Stinson 108

Which Should You Buy: Cessna 170 or Stinson 108?

Bottom line: Choose the Cessna 170 for the largest support network, parts and resale; choose the Stinson 108 for a roomier cabin and vintage character (verify Franklin engine support or Lycoming conversion). Cessna 170 = support/resale; Stinson 108 = cabin/character.

Pick the 170 if…

  • More seats — 4 vs 1.
  • Newer design — production from 1948 vs 1945.
  • More inventory — 18 listings vs 2.

Pick the 108 if…

  • Budget matters — from $23,450 vs $52,942, you save ~$29,492.

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 170 or Stinson 108?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 170 cruises at 105 kts with 500 nm range. The 108 cruises at 105 kts. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 170: from $159,000. Stinson 108: from $20,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 170 and Stinson 108?
170 engine: Continental C145-2 (145 hp). 108 engine: Franklin 6A4-150;6AL-335. Seats: 4 vs 1. Cruise: 105 vs 105 kts.
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?
170: 4 seats / 900 lb useful load. 108: 1 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?
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