Beechcraft Bonanza 36 vs Cirrus SR22

The Cirrus SR22, Beechcraft Bonanza 36 and Mooney 201 are three icons of the high-performance single, each chosen for a different reason — the SR22 for its parachute and modern glass, the Bonanza 36 for room and pedigree, the Mooney 201 (the M20J) for efficiency. Fast, capable cross-country machines that go about it three different ways. Where each trades on the market now is below.

Live Market Snapshot

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

Beechcraft Bonanza 36
For sale now
208
Median asking
$399,000
Range
$229,000–$875,000
Model years available
1968–2026
Cirrus SR22
For sale now
255
Median asking
$369,473
Range
$233,400–$867,970
Model years available
2001–2025

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

Safety Record

Absolute counts scale with fleet size — the most-produced types log more events without being less safe. Compare the % fatal.

NTSB (1982–now)Beechcraft Bonanza 36Cirrus SR22
All events—124
Serious—8
Fatal—38
Fatalities—74
% Fatal—31%
View full Beechcraft Bonanza 36 NTSB record →View full Cirrus SR22 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Beechcraft Bonanza 36 Cirrus SR22
Beechcraft Bonanza 36
View 14 listings →
Median $399,000
 Cirrus SR22
View 253 listings →
Median $369,473
Price Range $229,000 – $875,000 $233,400 – $867,970
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 1,245 lbs (565 kg) 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

Estimate

Beechcraft Bonanza 36

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

Cirrus SR22

Fuel$74/hr
Variable$180/hr
Annual Fixed$25,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $61,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Beechcraft Bonanza 36 or Cirrus SR22?

Bottom line: Choose the SR22 for a modern safety net and speed — a composite single with a glass cockpit and the CAPS whole-airframe parachute no other here offers. Choose the Bonanza 36 for room and prestige — six seats, a roomy cabin with a double door and one of the most respected names in aviation. Choose the Mooney 201 for efficiency — remarkable speed on modest fuel in a slippery, four-seat airframe with a crashworthy steel-tube cage. On safety each answers it differently: the SR22 with a parachute, the Bonanza with a long record and room, the Mooney with its cage and efficiency — all proven, none a clear step above the others. Parachute and glass, room and pedigree, or speed and economy.

Pick the Bonanza 36 if…

  • Budget matters — from $229,000 vs $233,400, you save ~$4,400.
  • More seats — 6 vs 5.

Pick the SR22 if…

  • 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 — 253 listings vs 14.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between the SR22, Bonanza 36 and Mooney 201?
The SR22 is a fixed-gear composite single with a parachute; the Bonanza 36 a roomy six-seat retractable; the Mooney 201 an efficient four-seat retractable. Each prioritises something different — safety net, room, or economy.
Which is the most efficient?
The Mooney 201 — its slippery airframe delivers high speed on a 200-hp engine, with the lowest fuel burn of the three. The SR22 and Bonanza are faster but thirstier.
Which carries the most?
The Bonanza 36 — six seats and a wide double door make it the roomiest. The SR22 seats up to five; the Mooney is a tighter four-seater.
Which is better, Beechcraft Bonanza 36 or Cirrus SR22?
It depends on your mission and budget. The Bonanza 36 cruises at 168 kts with 697 nm range. The SR22 cruises at 183 kts with 1,049 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Beechcraft Bonanza 36: from $429,000. Cirrus SR22: from $417,192. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Beechcraft Bonanza 36 and Cirrus SR22?
SR22 engine: Continental IO-550-N (310 hp). Seats: 6 vs 5. Cruise: 168 vs 183 kts. Range: 697 vs 1049 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Bonanza 36: about $195/hr variable cost. SR22: about $180/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 36: 6 seats / 1,245 lb useful load. SR22: 5 seats / 1,183 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?
Bonanza 36: 1,700-hour TBO, overhaul ~$35,000. SR22: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$36,000. 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