SR20 vs PA-18 Super Cub
The SR20 leads, topping 5 of 7 compared metrics.
The Cirrus Aircraft SR20 (introduced 1999) 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 range, where the SR20 has the advantage. Below we compare them spec by spec, then break down which aircraft suits which mission.
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
SR20 vs PA-18 Super Cub: the key differences
- The SR20 delivers 155% more range (SR20: 1,000 nm; PA-18 Super Cub: 392 nm).
- The SR20 delivers 55% more cruise speed (SR20: 155 kt; PA-18 Super Cub: 100 kt).
- The SR20 delivers 100% more passenger capacity (SR20: 4 seats; PA-18 Super Cub: 2 seats).
- The SR20 is the newer design (introduced 1999 versus 1949 for the PA-18 Super Cub), a gap of 50 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The SR20 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (3,150 lbs versus 1,750 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
Which mission suits which aircraft
The SR20 is the stronger fit for regional and short-to-medium legs — its 1,000 nm of range removes fuel stops on those legs. The PA-18 Super Cub, at 392 nm, is better matched to short-haul and regional hops, where lower trip cost counts for more than outright reach. If most of your flying sits inside the PA-18 Super Cub's range, the SR20's extra capability is range you pay to carry but rarely use.
Which should you choose?
On published specifications the SR20 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
SR20 vs PA-18 Super Cub: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the SR20 or the PA-18 Super Cub?
The SR20 has the longer published range — 1,000 nm versus 392 nm for the PA-18 Super Cub.
Does the SR20 or PA-18 Super Cub seat more passengers?
The SR20 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 4 seats, compared with 2 on the PA-18 Super Cub.
Which is faster, the SR20 or the PA-18 Super Cub?
The SR20 cruises faster, at 155 kt versus 100 kt for the PA-18 Super Cub.
Which is newer, the SR20 or the PA-18 Super Cub?
The SR20 is the newer design, introduced in 1999 versus 1949 for the PA-18 Super Cub.
Is the SR20 or the PA-18 Super Cub the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the SR20 is the larger aircraft — 3,150 lbs versus 1,750 lbs for the PA-18 Super Cub.
Should I buy the SR20 or the PA-18 Super Cub?
On published specifications the SR20 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 SR20 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.