Bonanza G36 vs PA-18 Super Cub
The Bonanza G36 leads, topping 5 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the Beechcraft / Textron Aviation Bonanza G36 (introduced 2005) beside the Piper Aircraft PA-18 Super Cub (introduced 1949) and the trade-offs sharpen fast. Both are piston singles, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is cabin capacity, where the Bonanza G36 carries more passengers. The spec-by-spec breakdown below is followed by a mission-fit read and a buyer's recommendation.
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
Bonanza G36 vs PA-18 Super Cub: the key differences
- The Bonanza G36 delivers 135% more range (Bonanza G36: 920 nm; PA-18 Super Cub: 392 nm).
- The Bonanza G36 delivers 76% more cruise speed (Bonanza G36: 176 kt; PA-18 Super Cub: 100 kt).
- The Bonanza G36 delivers 200% more passenger capacity (Bonanza G36: 6 seats; PA-18 Super Cub: 2 seats).
- The Bonanza G36 is the newer design (introduced 2005 versus 1949 for the PA-18 Super Cub), a gap of 56 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The Bonanza G36 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (3,650 lbs versus 1,750 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
Which mission suits which aircraft
Both aircraft are built for short-haul and regional hops, so outright range rarely separates them — the call leans on cabin (the Bonanza G36 seats more), trip economics and what is actually available on the market. Match the airframe to how you fly most weeks, not to the headline range figure.
Which should you choose?
On published specifications the Bonanza G36 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The PA-18 Super Cub can still be the smarter buy on acquisition cost, operating economics, runway performance, or current availability — the factors that rarely show up in a spec sheet. Our acquisition advisory team can model both against your actual mission profile before you commit.
More comparisons
Bonanza G36 vs PA-18 Super Cub: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the Bonanza G36 or the PA-18 Super Cub?
The Bonanza G36 has the longer published range — 920 nm versus 392 nm for the PA-18 Super Cub.
Does the Bonanza G36 or PA-18 Super Cub seat more passengers?
The Bonanza G36 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 6 seats, compared with 2 on the PA-18 Super Cub.
Which is faster, the Bonanza G36 or the PA-18 Super Cub?
The Bonanza G36 cruises faster, at 176 kt versus 100 kt for the PA-18 Super Cub.
Which is newer, the Bonanza G36 or the PA-18 Super Cub?
The Bonanza G36 is the newer design, introduced in 2005 versus 1949 for the PA-18 Super Cub.
Is the Bonanza G36 or the PA-18 Super Cub the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the Bonanza G36 is the larger aircraft — 3,650 lbs versus 1,750 lbs for the PA-18 Super Cub.
Should I buy the Bonanza G36 or the PA-18 Super Cub?
On published specifications the Bonanza G36 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The PA-18 Super Cub can still be the smarter buy on acquisition cost, operating economics, runway performance, or current availability — the factors that rarely show up in a spec sheet. Our acquisition advisory team can model both against your actual mission profile before you commit.
Still weighing up the Bonanza G36 vs PA-18 Super Cub?
Specs only take you so far. Our advisors give an independent recommendation based on your mission, budget and how you actually fly — and represent your side through to purchase.