Beechcraft Baron 55 vs Beechcraft Baron 58

The Beechcraft Baron 55 and Baron 58 are trim comparisons within the same essential aircraft — both are Beechcraft twin-engine piston singles with Continental engines and the quality that defines the Baron brand. The Baron 55 (from 1961) uses Continental IO-470 or IO-520 engines at 260 hp each and seats up to six passengers in a slightly shorter cabin. The Baron 58 (from 1969) stretched the fuselage, bumped the engines to Continental IO-550-C at 325 hp each, added double rear doors, and arrived as the definitive Baron for owner-pilot IFR travel. Today the 58 is clearly the preferred platform, but the 55 offers a more accessible entry to the Baron family at lower price.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily

Beechcraft Baron 55
For sale now
59
Median asking
$179,000
Range
$93,630–$390,800
Model years available
1961–1990
Beechcraft Baron 58
For sale now
121
Median asking
$449,000
Range
$189,635–$1,319,400
Model years available
1970–2024

Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Beechcraft Baron 55 Beechcraft Baron 58
Beechcraft Baron 55
View 10 listings →
Median $179,000
 Beechcraft Baron 58
View 74 listings →
Median $449,000
Price Range $93,630 – $390,800 $189,635 – $1,319,400
Category Multi Engine Piston Multi Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 6 6
Horsepower 260 HP 300 HP
Cruise Speed 190 kts (352 km/h) 190 kts (352 km/h)
Range 1,080 nm (2,000 km) 1,225 nm (2,269 km)
Service Ceiling 19,700 ft (6,005 m) 20,688 ft (6,306 m)
Max Gross Weight 5,100 lbs (2,313 kg) 5,500 lbs (2,495 kg)
Useful Load 1,620 lbs (735 kg) 1,846 lbs (837 kg)
Fuel Capacity 142.0 gal (537 L) 166.0 gal (628 L)
Fuel Burn 25.0 GPH (95 L/h) 28.0 GPH (106 L/h)
TBO — 1,700 hrs
Overhaul Cost — $40,000
Annual Fixed — $28,000
Hourly Variable — $310
Engines 2 x Piston 2 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Beechcraft Baron 55

Fuel$138/hr

Beechcraft Baron 58

Fuel$154/hr
Variable$310/hr
Annual Fixed$28,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $90,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Beechcraft Baron 55 or Beechcraft Baron 58?

Bottom line: Choose the Baron 55 for a capable, lower-cost entry to the Baron family with acceptable performance for five- to six-seat missions. The 55's 260 hp per side handles most owner-pilot IFR missions adequately, and the lower acquisition price makes it attractive for pilots who want the Baron experience on a budget. Choose the Baron 58 for the full Baron proposition — more power (325 hp per side), longer cabin, rear-double-door loading convenience, and better single-engine performance margins that are meaningful in actual emergency scenarios. Safety axis: the Baron 58's larger engines provide substantially better single-engine climb rate than the Baron 55 — in the event of an engine failure at low altitude, the 58's single-engine surplus power gives more time and altitude to manage the emergency. This is a genuine safety argument for the 58 in real IFR operations where margin matters.

Pick the Baron 55 if…

  • Budget matters — from $93,630 vs $189,635, you save ~$96,005.

Pick the Baron 58 if…

  • Longer range — 1225 nm vs 1080 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 1970 vs 1961.
  • More inventory — 74 listings vs 10.

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the engine differences between Baron 55 and 58 variants?
The Baron 55 variants use Continental IO-470 (240 hp) or IO-520 (260 hp) engines; the Baron 58 uses Continental IO-550-C engines (325 hp each). The IO-550 is a displacement evolution of the IO-520 family — same architecture, larger bore, more torque. All three engines have well-established TBO schedules (1,500–1,700 hours) and broad maintenance support. The IO-550's higher power also means higher fuel burn at maximum cruise — budget accordingly.
Can a Baron 55 pilot fly a Baron 58 on the same type rating?
Both aircraft fall under the same BE-55/58 type rating category for FAA purposes, but differences in systems, performance, and handling between the two require specific training. A Baron 55 pilot transitioning to the 58 should receive type-differences instruction covering the increased engine power, different gear system (58 has a different gear selector configuration), and performance data familiarization. Insurance carriers typically require a formal transition checkout regardless of type certificate applicability.
What is the range of the Baron 55 vs Baron 58?
The Baron 55 achieves approximately 1,200–1,400 nm at economy cruise depending on variant and fuel load. The Baron 58 carries more fuel (166 gallon usable in many configurations vs. 136 for the 55) and achieves approximately 1,480–1,550 nm range at economy cruise. The 58's range advantage matters on the East-to-West-Coast trip, where the 55 may require an additional fuel stop.
Which is better, Beechcraft Baron 55 or Beechcraft Baron 58?
It depends on your mission and budget. The Baron 55 cruises at 190 kts with 1,080 nm range. The Baron 58 cruises at 190 kts with 1,225 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Beechcraft Baron 55: from $45,690. Beechcraft Baron 58: from $599,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Beechcraft Baron 55 and Beechcraft Baron 58?
Cruise: 190 vs 190 kts. Range: 1080 vs 1225 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Baron 58: about $310/hr variable cost. Variable cost includes fuel, reserves and overhaul accruals. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add to the total.
Which has more seats and useful load?
Baron 55: 6 seats / 1,620 lb useful load. Baron 58: 6 seats / 1,846 lb useful load. Useful load = max gross weight minus empty weight; it determines how much fuel plus payload you can carry.
How does maintenance compare — TBO and overhaul cost?
Baron 58: 1,700-hour TBO, overhaul ~$40,000. Reaching the time-between-overhaul (TBO) triggers a mandatory engine/airframe rebuild that affects resale value.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.
Prices updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data