Beechcraft Bonanza 36 vs Cirrus SR22 vs Mooney 201
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
- For sale now
- 208
- Median asking
- $399,000
- Range
- $229,000–$875,000
- Model years available
- 1968–2026
- For sale now
- 255
- Median asking
- $369,473
- Range
- $233,400–$867,970
- Model years available
- 2001–2025
- For sale now
- 57
- Median asking
- $139,450
- Range
- $96,250–$234,955
- Model years available
- 1977–1998
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 36 | Cirrus SR22 | Mooney 201 |
|---|---|---|---|
| All events | — | 124 | 1 |
| Serious | — | 8 | 0 |
| Fatal | — | 38 | 0 |
| Fatalities | — | 74 | 0 |
| % Fatal | — | 31% | 0% |
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Beechcraft Bonanza 36 | Cirrus SR22 | Mooney 201 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
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| Price Range | $229,000 – $875,000 | $233,400 – $867,970 | $96,250 – $234,955 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | |||
| Seats | 6 | 5 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 285 HP | 310 HP | 200 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 168 kts (311 km/h) | 183 kts (339 km/h) | 161 kts (298 km/h) |
| Range | 697 nm (1,291 km) | 1,049 nm (1,943 km) | 820 nm (1,519 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 18,000 ft (5,486 m) | 17,500 ft (5,334 m) | 18,800 ft (5,730 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,400 lbs (1,542 kg) | 3,600 lbs (1,633 kg) | 2,740 lbs (1,243 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,245 lbs (565 kg) | 1,183 lbs (537 kg) | 900 lbs (408 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 74.0 gal (280 L) | 92.0 gal (348 L) | 64.0 gal (242 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 14.0 GPH (53 L/h) | 13.5 GPH (51 L/h) | 10.0 GPH (38 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,700 hrs | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $35,000 | $36,000 | $30,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $22,000 | $25,000 | $18,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $195 | $180 | $140 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateBeechcraft Bonanza 36
Cirrus SR22
Mooney 201
Which Should You Buy?
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…
- Most seats — 6
Pick the SR22 if…
- Fastest cruise — 183 kts
- Longest range — 1049 nm
- Newest design — built from 2001
- Most listings for sale — 253
Pick the 201 if…
- Lowest entry price — from $96,250
- Lowest operating cost — about $140/hr
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.