Piper Pacer vs Piper Super Cub

The Piper Pacer (PA-20/22) and Super Cub (PA-18) are classic Piper taildraggers — the Pacer is the four-seat short-wing tourer; the Super Cub is the two-seat back-country utility taildragger.

Live Market Snapshot

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

Piper Pacer
For sale now
1
Source marketplaces
1
Model years available
1950–1950
Piper Super Cub
For sale now
48
Median asking
$136,875
Range
$63,716–$223,750
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
15
Source marketplaces
9
Model years available
1944–2024

Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Piper Pacer Piper Super Cub
View 1 listings →
Median $4,500
Piper Super Cub
View 48 listings →
Median $136,875
Price Range $4,500 $63,716 – $223,750
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Cruise Speed 109 kts (202 km/h) 100 kts (185 km/h)
Range 504 nm (933 km) 400 nm (741 km)
Max Gross Weight 1,950 lbs (885 kg) 1,750 lbs (794 kg)

Which Should You Buy: Piper Pacer or Piper Super Cub?

Bottom line: Choose the Super Cub for back-country/STOL capability and utility. Choose the Pacer for four seats and classic touring in a nimble short-wing Piper — a vintage family taildragger rather than a bush plane.

Pick the Pacer if…

  • Budget matters — from $4,500 vs $63,716, you save ~$59,216.
  • Faster cruise — 109 kts vs 100 kts.
  • Longer range — 504 nm vs 400 nm.

Pick the Super Cub if…

  • More inventory — 48 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, Piper Pacer or Piper Super Cub?
It depends on your mission and budget. The Pacer cruises at 109 kts with 504 nm range. The Super Cub cruises at 100 kts with 400 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Piper Pacer: from $4,500. Piper Super Cub: from $199,500. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Piper Pacer and Piper Super Cub?
Cruise: 109 vs 100 kts. Range: 504 vs 400 nm.
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?
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