Curtiss P-40 vs Supermarine Spitfire

The P-40 Warhawk and Spitfire are WWII fighter warbirds — the P-40 the rugged Allison fighter, the Spitfire the premium Merlin icon.

Live Market Snapshot

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

Curtiss P-40
For sale now
2
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
1
Source marketplaces
2
Model years available
1942–1943
Supermarine Spitfire

No active listings right now.

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)Curtiss P-40Supermarine Spitfire
All events3
Serious0
Fatal2
Fatalities2
% Fatal67%

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Curtiss P-40 Supermarine Spitfire
View 2 listings →
Median $3,005,028
Price Range $3,005,028
Category
Model Specifications
Seats 1
Range 852 nm (1,578 km)
Max Gross Weight 7,400 lbs (3,357 kg)
Engines 1 x Piston

Which Should You Buy: Curtiss P-40 or Supermarine Spitfire?

Bottom line: Choose the P-40 for a more attainable, rugged warbird; choose the Spitfire for iconic handling and top-tier pedigree (at higher cost). P-40 = rugged/attainable; Spitfire = icon/premium.

Pick the P-40 if…

Pick the Spitfire if…

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Curtiss P-40 or Supermarine Spitfire?
It depends on your mission and budget. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Curtiss P-40 and Supermarine Spitfire?
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
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?
P-40: 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?
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