Beechcraft Bonanza 36 vs Cirrus SR22
The Cirrus SR22 (composite four-seater, ~180-185 kt, CAPS parachute, Garmin Perspective+) and Beechcraft Bonanza (V35/F33/A36 — aluminium retractable, ~170-176 kt, no chute) are direct high-performance single competitors — different philosophies but overlapping missions.
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Beechcraft Bonanza 36 | Cirrus SR22 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
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| Price Range | $189,000 – $1,395,000 | $99,000 – $1,475,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 5 |
| Horsepower | 285 HP | 310 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 168 kts (311 km/h) | 183 kts (339 km/h) |
| Range | 697 nm (1,291 km) | 1,049 nm (1,943 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 18,000 ft (5,486 m) | 17,500 ft (5,334 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,400 lbs (1,542 kg) | 3,600 lbs (1,633 kg) |
| Useful Load | — | 1,183 lbs (537 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 74.0 gal (280 L) | 92.0 gal (348 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 14.0 GPH (53 L/h) | 13.5 GPH (51 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,700 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $35,000 | $36,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $22,000 | $25,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $195 | $180 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateBeechcraft Bonanza 36
Cirrus SR22
Which Should You Buy: Beechcraft Bonanza 36 or Cirrus SR22?
Bottom line: Choose the SR22 for the CAPS whole-airframe parachute, Garmin Perspective+ cockpit, the largest active high-performance single dealer network and fixed-gear simplicity. Choose the Bonanza for the classic Beechcraft cabin, six-seat capability (A36), retractable-gear efficiency and a build quality that has aged extraordinarily well — but accept older systems and retractable- gear maintenance.
Pick the Bonanza 36 if…
- More seats — 6 vs 5.
Pick the SR22 if…
- Budget matters — from $99,000 vs $189,000, you save ~$90,000.
- Lower operating cost — ~$180/hr vs $195/hr.
- Faster cruise — 183 kts vs 168 kts.
- Longer range — 1049 nm vs 697 nm.
- Newer design — production from 2001 vs 1968.
- More inventory — 270 listings vs 198.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.