Cessna 170 vs Piper Super Cub
Head-to-head — specs, at a glance.
iSeats
4 · 2
Engine
piston single · piston single
Gear
Fixed · Fixed
Cessna 170Piper Super Cub
Cruise speedKTAS
104
100
Stall speed (Vs0)lower is betterKIAS
45
37
Rangenm
410
400
Useful loadlbs
980
820
Full-fuel payloadlbs
728
604
Service ceilingft
15.5k
19.0k
Fuel burnlower is bettergph
8
9
Cruise MPGmpg
15.0
12.8
Typical pricelower is betterUSD
$110k
$140k
Cessna 170
- +Excellent backcountry performer (170B with Fowler flaps)
- +Strong parts availability and mechanic familiarity
- +Pure joy for local flying and grass-strip operations
- !Modest cruise speed (104 KTAS) limits cross-country appeal
- !145 HP marginal at high density altitude and gross weight
- !Tailwheel configuration unfamiliar to many FBOs and mechanics
Piper Super Cub
- +Legendary backcountry performer with 200 ft takeoff roll
- +Massive parts ecosystem and mechanic familiarity
- +Benign handling and exemplary stall characteristics
- !Slow cruise (100 KTAS) limits cross-country utility
- !Tandem seating and modest payload reduce flexibility
- !Fabric airframe requires regular inspection and eventual recovery
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