M20V Acclaim Ultra vs PA-18 Super Cub
The M20V Acclaim Ultra leads, topping 6 of 7 compared metrics.
The Mooney International M20V Acclaim Ultra (introduced 2016) 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 M20V Acclaim Ultra has the advantage. 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.
M20V Acclaim Ultra vs PA-18 Super Cub: the key differences
- The M20V Acclaim Ultra delivers 225% more range (M20V Acclaim Ultra: 1,275 nm; PA-18 Super Cub: 392 nm).
- The M20V Acclaim Ultra delivers 142% more cruise speed (M20V Acclaim Ultra: 242 kt; PA-18 Super Cub: 100 kt).
- The M20V Acclaim Ultra delivers 100% more passenger capacity (M20V Acclaim Ultra: 4 seats; PA-18 Super Cub: 2 seats).
- The M20V Acclaim Ultra is the newer design (introduced 2016 versus 1949 for the PA-18 Super Cub), a gap of 67 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The M20V Acclaim Ultra is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (3,368 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 M20V Acclaim Ultra is the stronger fit for regional and short-to-medium legs — its 1,275 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 M20V Acclaim Ultra's extra capability is range you pay to carry but rarely use.
Which should you choose?
On published specifications the M20V Acclaim Ultra 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.
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M20V Acclaim Ultra vs PA-18 Super Cub: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the M20V Acclaim Ultra or the PA-18 Super Cub?
The M20V Acclaim Ultra has the longer published range — 1,275 nm versus 392 nm for the PA-18 Super Cub.
Does the M20V Acclaim Ultra or PA-18 Super Cub seat more passengers?
The M20V Acclaim Ultra carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 4 seats, compared with 2 on the PA-18 Super Cub.
Which is faster, the M20V Acclaim Ultra or the PA-18 Super Cub?
The M20V Acclaim Ultra cruises faster, at 242 kt versus 100 kt for the PA-18 Super Cub.
Which is newer, the M20V Acclaim Ultra or the PA-18 Super Cub?
The M20V Acclaim Ultra is the newer design, introduced in 2016 versus 1949 for the PA-18 Super Cub.
Is the M20V Acclaim Ultra or the PA-18 Super Cub the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the M20V Acclaim Ultra is the larger aircraft — 3,368 lbs versus 1,750 lbs for the PA-18 Super Cub.
Should I buy the M20V Acclaim Ultra or the PA-18 Super Cub?
On published specifications the M20V Acclaim Ultra 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 M20V Acclaim Ultra 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.