210 Centurion vs PA-18 Super Cub
The 210 Centurion leads, topping 4 of 7 compared metrics.
The Cessna / Textron Aviation 210 Centurion (introduced 1960) and the Piper Aircraft PA-18 Super Cub (introduced 1949) are two aircraft buyers regularly weigh against each other. Both are piston singles, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is cabin capacity, where the 210 Centurion carries more passengers. We line the numbers up below, then translate them into the mission each aircraft actually wins.
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
210 Centurion vs PA-18 Super Cub: the key differences
- The 210 Centurion delivers 130% more range (210 Centurion: 900 nm; PA-18 Super Cub: 392 nm).
- The 210 Centurion delivers 70% more cruise speed (210 Centurion: 170 kt; PA-18 Super Cub: 100 kt).
- The 210 Centurion delivers 200% more passenger capacity (210 Centurion: 6 seats; PA-18 Super Cub: 2 seats).
- The 210 Centurion is the newer design (introduced 1960 versus 1949 for the PA-18 Super Cub), a gap of 11 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The 210 Centurion is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (3,800 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 210 Centurion 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 210 Centurion 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
210 Centurion vs PA-18 Super Cub: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the 210 Centurion or the PA-18 Super Cub?
The 210 Centurion has the longer published range — 900 nm versus 392 nm for the PA-18 Super Cub.
Does the 210 Centurion or PA-18 Super Cub seat more passengers?
The 210 Centurion carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 6 seats, compared with 2 on the PA-18 Super Cub.
Which is faster, the 210 Centurion or the PA-18 Super Cub?
The 210 Centurion cruises faster, at 170 kt versus 100 kt for the PA-18 Super Cub.
Which is newer, the 210 Centurion or the PA-18 Super Cub?
The 210 Centurion is the newer design, introduced in 1960 versus 1949 for the PA-18 Super Cub.
Is the 210 Centurion or the PA-18 Super Cub the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the 210 Centurion is the larger aircraft — 3,800 lbs versus 1,750 lbs for the PA-18 Super Cub.
Should I buy the 210 Centurion or the PA-18 Super Cub?
On published specifications the 210 Centurion 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 210 Centurion 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.