M350 vs PA-18 Super Cub
The M350 leads, topping 6 of 7 compared metrics.
Cross-shopping the Piper Aircraft M350 (introduced 2015) against the Piper Aircraft PA-18 Super Cub (introduced 1949) is a common decision, and the two sit closer on paper than the badges suggest. Both are piston singles, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is range, where the M350 has the advantage. We line the numbers up below, then translate them into the mission each aircraft actually wins.
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M350 vs PA-18 Super Cub: the key differences
- The M350 delivers 243% more range (M350: 1,343 nm; PA-18 Super Cub: 392 nm).
- The M350 delivers 113% more cruise speed (M350: 213 kt; PA-18 Super Cub: 100 kt).
- The M350 delivers 200% more passenger capacity (M350: 6 seats; PA-18 Super Cub: 2 seats).
- The M350 is the newer design (introduced 2015 versus 1949 for the PA-18 Super Cub), a gap of 66 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The M350 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (4,358 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 M350 is the stronger fit for regional and short-to-medium legs — its 1,343 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 M350's extra capability is range you pay to carry but rarely use.
Which should you choose?
On published specifications the M350 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
M350 vs PA-18 Super Cub: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the M350 or the PA-18 Super Cub?
The M350 has the longer published range — 1,343 nm versus 392 nm for the PA-18 Super Cub.
Does the M350 or PA-18 Super Cub seat more passengers?
The M350 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 6 seats, compared with 2 on the PA-18 Super Cub.
Which is faster, the M350 or the PA-18 Super Cub?
The M350 cruises faster, at 213 kt versus 100 kt for the PA-18 Super Cub.
Which is newer, the M350 or the PA-18 Super Cub?
The M350 is the newer design, introduced in 2015 versus 1949 for the PA-18 Super Cub.
Is the M350 or the PA-18 Super Cub the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the M350 is the larger aircraft — 4,358 lbs versus 1,750 lbs for the PA-18 Super Cub.
Should I buy the M350 or the PA-18 Super Cub?
On published specifications the M350 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 M350 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.