PA-18 Super Cub vs P2010
The P2010 leads, topping 4 of 7 compared metrics.
Cross-shopping the Piper Aircraft PA-18 Super Cub (introduced 1949) against the Tecnam P2010 (introduced 2013) 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 P2010 has the advantage. undefined
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PA-18 Super Cub vs P2010: the key differences
- The P2010 delivers 127% more range (PA-18 Super Cub: 392 nm; P2010: 890 nm).
- The P2010 delivers 38% more cruise speed (PA-18 Super Cub: 100 kt; P2010: 138 kt).
- The P2010 delivers 100% more passenger capacity (PA-18 Super Cub: 2 seats; P2010: 4 seats).
- The P2010 is the newer design (introduced 2013 versus 1949 for the PA-18 Super Cub), a gap of 64 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The P2010 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (2,756 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 P2010 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 P2010 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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PA-18 Super Cub vs P2010: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the PA-18 Super Cub or the P2010?
The P2010 has the longer published range — 890 nm versus 392 nm for the PA-18 Super Cub.
Does the PA-18 Super Cub or P2010 seat more passengers?
The P2010 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 4 seats, compared with 2 on the PA-18 Super Cub.
Which is faster, the PA-18 Super Cub or the P2010?
The P2010 cruises faster, at 138 kt versus 100 kt for the PA-18 Super Cub.
Which is newer, the PA-18 Super Cub or the P2010?
The P2010 is the newer design, introduced in 2013 versus 1949 for the PA-18 Super Cub.
Is the PA-18 Super Cub or the P2010 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the P2010 is the larger aircraft — 2,756 lbs versus 1,750 lbs for the PA-18 Super Cub.
Should I buy the PA-18 Super Cub or the P2010?
On published specifications the P2010 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 PA-18 Super Cub vs P2010?
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.