Beechcraft Bonanza 33 vs Beechcraft Bonanza 36

The Beechcraft Bonanza 33 (four-seat Debonair lineage) and Bonanza 36 (six-seat A36) are different-cabin variants of the Bonanza — the 33 is the four/five-seat conventional-tail; the 36 is the stretched six-seat with the cargo double door.

Full Specs Comparison

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Spec / Model Beechcraft Bonanza 33 Beechcraft Bonanza 36
Beechcraft Bonanza 33
View 75 listings →
Median $242,200
Beechcraft Bonanza 36
View 192 listings →
Median $407,447
Price Range $75,000 – $565,000 $189,000 – $1,395,000
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 6 6
Horsepower 285 HP 285 HP
Cruise Speed 168 kts (311 km/h) 168 kts (311 km/h)
Range 920 nm (1,704 km) 697 nm (1,291 km)
Service Ceiling 17,858 ft (5,443 m) 18,000 ft (5,486 m)
Max Gross Weight 3,400 lbs (1,542 kg) 3,400 lbs (1,542 kg)
Useful Load 1,134 lbs (514 kg)
Fuel Capacity 74.0 gal (280 L) 74.0 gal (280 L)
Fuel Burn 14.5 GPH (55 L/h) 14.0 GPH (53 L/h)
TBO 1,700 hrs
Overhaul Cost $35,000
Annual Fixed $22,000
Hourly Variable $195
Engines 1 x Piston 1 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Beechcraft Bonanza 33

Fuel$80/hr

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 Bonanza 33 or Beechcraft Bonanza 36?

Bottom line: Choose the 36 for the larger cabin, six seats and the cargo door utility — by far the more capable cross-country machine. Choose the 33 only for materially lower acquisition cost when you don't need six seats.

Pick the Bonanza 33 if…

  • Budget matters — from $75,000 vs $189,000, you save ~$114,000.
  • Longer range — 920 nm vs 697 nm.

Pick the Bonanza 36 if…

  • Newer design — production from 1968 vs 1960.
  • More inventory — 192 listings vs 75.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Beechcraft Bonanza 33 or Beechcraft Bonanza 36?
It depends on your mission and budget. The Bonanza 33 cruises at 168 kts with 920 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 Bonanza 33: from $239,500. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Beechcraft Bonanza 33 and Beechcraft Bonanza 36?
Cruise: 168 vs 168 kts. Range: 920 vs 697 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
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?
Bonanza 33: 6 seats / 1,134 lb useful load. Bonanza 36: 6 seats. 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?
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