Beechcraft Baron 58 vs Beechcraft Bonanza 36

The Beechcraft Bonanza 36 and Baron 58 come from the same Wichita factory with the same level of quality and a shared heritage — but they ask different questions of the buyer. The Bonanza A36 is the definitive high-performance piston single: 285 hp Continental IO-550-B, six seats, and a reputation for longevity so strong that examples from the 1980s still command premium prices. The Baron 58 is the piston twin the Bonanza became when Beechcraft asked "what if we added a second engine?" — same quality, same cabin ambition, two IO-550-C engines for redundancy. The cross-shop is the single vs. twin decision dressed in its finest Beechcraft clothes.

Live Market Snapshot

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

Beechcraft Baron 58
For sale now
121
Median asking
$449,000
Range
$189,635–$1,319,400
Model years available
1970–2024
Beechcraft Bonanza 36
For sale now
208
Median asking
$399,000
Range
$229,000–$875,000
Model years available
1968–2026

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 58 Beechcraft Bonanza 36
Beechcraft Baron 58
View 74 listings →
Median $449,000
 Beechcraft Bonanza 36
View 14 listings →
Median $399,000
Price Range $189,635 – $1,319,400 $229,000 – $875,000
Category Multi Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 6 6
Horsepower 300 HP 285 HP
Cruise Speed 190 kts (352 km/h) 168 kts (311 km/h)
Range 1,225 nm (2,269 km) 697 nm (1,291 km)
Service Ceiling 20,688 ft (6,306 m) 18,000 ft (5,486 m)
Max Gross Weight 5,500 lbs (2,495 kg) 3,400 lbs (1,542 kg)
Useful Load 1,846 lbs (837 kg) 1,245 lbs (565 kg)
Fuel Capacity 166.0 gal (628 L) 74.0 gal (280 L)
Fuel Burn 28.0 GPH (106 L/h) 14.0 GPH (53 L/h)
TBO 1,700 hrs 1,700 hrs
Overhaul Cost $40,000 $35,000
Annual Fixed $28,000 $22,000
Hourly Variable $310 $195
Engines 2 x Piston 1 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Beechcraft Baron 58

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

Beechcraft Bonanza 36

Fuel$77/hr
Variable$195/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $61,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Beechcraft Baron 58 or Beechcraft Bonanza 36?

Bottom line: Choose the Bonanza A36 for the most economical way to fly six people at 165 kt with Beechcraft build quality. The Bonanza's IO-550-B burns 14–16 gph; the Baron 58 burns two engines at 25–30 gph combined. For the typical owner-pilot flying 200–300 hours per year, the Bonanza's economics are compelling, and its safety record as a single is exemplary. Choose the Baron 58 when twin redundancy, multi-engine currency, or the IFR peace of mind of two engines materially changes the risk calculation for your operation. The Baron's second engine is real insurance for frequent low-altitude IMC or over-water operations — but only for pilots who are genuinely current and proficient in single-engine procedures. Safety axis: the Baron's twin-engine advantage must be earned through training. An undertrained Baron pilot handling an engine failure at low altitude in IMC faces a more dangerous scenario than a Bonanza pilot making a single-engine emergency landing. If you're choosing the Baron for safety, budget for that safety investment in recurrent training.

Pick the Baron 58 if…

  • Budget matters — from $189,635 vs $229,000, you save ~$39,365.
  • Faster cruise — 190 kts vs 168 kts.
  • Longer range — 1225 nm vs 697 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 1970 vs 1968.
  • More inventory — 74 listings vs 14.

Pick the Bonanza 36 if…

  • Lower operating cost — ~$195/hr vs $310/hr.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the Beechcraft Bonanza 35 and 36?
The Bonanza 35 is the original V-tail design — the distinctive butterfly tail that Beechcraft produced from 1947 to 1982 and that became an iconic aviation image. The Bonanza 36 (A36) has a conventional straight tail, introduced as the Model 36 in 1968. The straight-tail A36 added a longer fuselage, a rear double door for easier loading, and better handling characteristics in crosswinds compared to the V-tail. Today both are flying; the A36 is the current reference-standard Bonanza; the V-tail is a beloved vintage variant with its own following.
What does the Baron 58 add over the Bonanza in actual performance?
The Baron 58 is approximately 25–30 kt faster than the Bonanza A36 in cruise — the additional engine produces more thrust even accounting for the added weight and drag. The Baron also climbs faster and performs better at density altitude where extra power provides genuine margin. The second engine adds twin-engine certification for certain Part 135 operations that the Bonanza's single-engine certificate cannot cover.
Is the Beechcraft Bonanza A36 still in production?
Yes. The Beechcraft Bonanza G36 is current production — the world's longest continuously-produced piston aircraft design, in continuous production since 1947. Textron Aviation (which owns Beechcraft) offers new G36s with Garmin G1000 NXi avionics as standard. The G36's production longevity means an active owner community, strong parts support, and continuous type certificate maintenance.
Which is better, Beechcraft Baron 58 or Beechcraft Bonanza 36?
It depends on your mission and budget. The Baron 58 cruises at 190 kts with 1,225 nm range. The Bonanza 36 cruises at 168 kts with 697 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Beechcraft Baron 58: from $599,000. Beechcraft Bonanza 36: from $429,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Beechcraft Baron 58 and Beechcraft Bonanza 36?
Cruise: 190 vs 168 kts. Range: 1225 vs 697 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Baron 58: about $310/hr variable cost. Bonanza 36: about $195/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 58: 6 seats / 1,846 lb useful load. Bonanza 36: 6 seats / 1,245 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. Bonanza 36: 1,700-hour TBO, overhaul ~$35,000. 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