North American P-51D vs Curtiss P-40

Live Market Snapshot

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

North American P-51D
For sale now
1
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
1
Source marketplaces
1
Model years available
1944–1944
Curtiss P-40
For sale now
2
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
1
Source marketplaces
2
Model years available
1942–1943

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)North American P-51DCurtiss P-40
All events19
Serious1
Fatal8
Fatalities13
% Fatal42%

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model North American P-51D Curtiss P-40
North American P-51D
View 1 listings →
Median $3,400,000
View 2 listings →
Median $3,005,028
Price Range $3,400,000 $3,005,028
Category Warbirds
Model Specifications
Seats 1 1
Cruise Speed 315 kts (583 km/h)
Range 1,434 nm (2,656 km)
Max Gross Weight 12,100 lbs (5,489 kg)
Engines 1 x Piston 1 x Piston

Which Should You Buy: North American P-51D or Curtiss P-40?

Pick the P-51D if…

Pick the P-40 if…

  • Budget matters — from $3,005,028 vs $3,400,000, you save ~$394,972.
  • More inventory — 2 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, North American P-51D or Curtiss P-40?
It depends on your mission and budget. The P-51D cruises at 315 kts with 1,434 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
North American P-51D: from $3,400,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between North American P-51D and Curtiss P-40?
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-51D: 1 seats. 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