SR22T vs PA-18 Super Cub
The SR22T leads, topping 6 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the Cirrus Aircraft SR22T (introduced 2009) 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 range, where the SR22T has the advantage. undefined
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SR22T vs PA-18 Super Cub: the key differences
- The SR22T delivers 160% more range (SR22T: 1,021 nm; PA-18 Super Cub: 392 nm).
- The SR22T delivers 114% more cruise speed (SR22T: 214 kt; PA-18 Super Cub: 100 kt).
- The SR22T delivers 100% more passenger capacity (SR22T: 4 seats; PA-18 Super Cub: 2 seats).
- The SR22T is the newer design (introduced 2009 versus 1949 for the PA-18 Super Cub), a gap of 60 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The SR22T is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (3,600 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 SR22T is the stronger fit for regional and short-to-medium legs — its 1,021 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 SR22T's extra capability is range you pay to carry but rarely use.
Which should you choose?
On published specifications the SR22T 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
SR22T vs PA-18 Super Cub: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the SR22T or the PA-18 Super Cub?
The SR22T has the longer published range — 1,021 nm versus 392 nm for the PA-18 Super Cub.
Does the SR22T or PA-18 Super Cub seat more passengers?
The SR22T carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 4 seats, compared with 2 on the PA-18 Super Cub.
Which is faster, the SR22T or the PA-18 Super Cub?
The SR22T cruises faster, at 214 kt versus 100 kt for the PA-18 Super Cub.
Which is newer, the SR22T or the PA-18 Super Cub?
The SR22T is the newer design, introduced in 2009 versus 1949 for the PA-18 Super Cub.
Is the SR22T or the PA-18 Super Cub the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the SR22T is the larger aircraft — 3,600 lbs versus 1,750 lbs for the PA-18 Super Cub.
Should I buy the SR22T or the PA-18 Super Cub?
On published specifications the SR22T 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 SR22T 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.