Its about value as well as pure cost. My recent LSA purchase provided a new engine and airframe, glass avionics that would make an MD-11 jealous, a recovery parachute,
5 gallons per hr with mogas ( with ethanol), flexibility to use 100ll if required on occasion, autopilot, electric trim, nice interior and and Traffic Information Service,
800 to 1000 fpm climb, composite prop, 105-110knot cruise, 5 hours fuel plus reserve for just me, 2 to 3 hrs cruise with reserve with a passenger, luggage area, minimum carbon (lead) footprint, need I go on. It is a modern aircraft that has great looks and is fun and easy to fly. A lot of value for the money. By the way, it is a CZAW Sport Cruiser. There are a few trade offs but it fits my needs 95% of the time. You can find cheaper but not sure you can match the value with the 50 year old airframes and old technology engines.
