Piper Cub vs Bellanca Citabria
The Piper Cub and the Bellanca Citabria are the two classic fabric-covered, tandem-seat taildraggers pilots dream about — and the choice is about how much you want them to do. The J-3 Cub is the icon: 65 hp, ~65 kt, tiny tanks, and pure low-and-slow simplicity, bought with the heart as much as the head. The Citabria adds a 150 hp engine, ~105 kt cruise, more range, and real aerobatic capability (its name is "airbatic" spelled backward), making it a more versatile tailwheel and basic-aerobatics trainer. Both teach stick-and-rudder flying; the Citabria simply does more of it, faster.
Key specifications, side by side
| Piper Cub | Bellanca Citabria | |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 2 (tandem) | 2 (tandem) |
| Engine | Continental A-65 (J-3) | Lycoming O-320 (7GCAA) |
| Horsepower | 65 hp | 150 hp |
| Cruise speed | ~65 kt | ~105 kt |
| Range | ~190 nm | ~430 nm |
| Useful load | ~455 lb | ~500 lb |
| Fuel (usable) | 12 gal | 36 gal |
| Landing gear | Conventional (tailwheel) | Conventional (tailwheel) |
Representative figures for a popular variant of each family — exact specs vary by model year, engine, and avionics configuration.
What's different about the Piper Cub
- The iconic yellow taildragger — fabric, tandem, slow and simple; an aviation classic bought with the heart as much as the head.
- Perfect for a pilot who wants low-and-slow flying, a tailwheel endorsement, or a charming classic to share and keep in the air.
- Just 65 hp and two tandem seats with tiny tanks mean it is a local-fun airplane, not a traveler; fabric and tailwheel insurance are the running costs.
What's different about the Bellanca Citabria
- A fabric two-seat tandem taildragger that is aerobatic-capable — "airbatic" backward — and pure stick-and-rudder fun.
- Ideal for a pilot who wants to learn tailwheel flying and gentle aerobatics cheaply, or to share the fun with a partner.
- Fabric upkeep and tailwheel-rated insurance are the main costs; it is slow and small, not a cross-country traveler.
Piper Cub vs Bellanca Citabria — frequently asked questions
Quick answers for buyers and prospective co-owners.
Is the Citabria faster than a Piper Cub?
Yes, considerably. The 150 hp Citabria cruises around 105 kt with usable range, while the 65 hp J-3 Cub ambles at about 65 kt on tiny tanks. The Cub is a local-fun classic; the Citabria can actually travel a bit.
Which is better for learning tailwheel or aerobatics?
Both are excellent tailwheel trainers, but the Citabria is aerobatic-capable and has the power for basic aerobatics and spin training, while the Cub is pure low-and-slow stick-and-rudder fun without the aerobatic envelope.
Which is cheaper to own?
Both are simple fabric taildraggers whose main costs are fabric upkeep and tailwheel-rated insurance. The Cub’s tiny 65 hp engine and 12-gallon tank make it the cheaper of the two to feed; the Citabria burns more for its extra speed and capability.