Beechcraft Bonanza 36 vs Diamond DA50 RG
The Diamond DA50 RG (five-seat single Austro AE330 diesel retractable, ~181 kt) and Bonanza 36 (six-seat Continental piston retractable, ~175 kt) are direct competitors — different propulsion (diesel vs Avgas) and different cabin sizes.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Beechcraft Bonanza 36 | Diamond DA50 RG |
|---|---|---|
|
|
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| Price Range | $189,000 – $1,395,000 | $737,764 – $1,499,500 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 5 |
| Horsepower | 285 HP | 300 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 168 kts (311 km/h) | 180 kts (333 km/h) |
| Range | 697 nm (1,291 km) | 750 nm (1,389 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 18,000 ft (5,486 m) | 20,000 ft (6,096 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,400 lbs (1,542 kg) | 3,957 lbs (1,795 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 74.0 gal (280 L) | 50.0 gal (189 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 14.0 GPH (53 L/h) | 9.0 GPH (34 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,700 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $35,000 | $28,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $22,000 | $18,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $195 | $135 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateBeechcraft Bonanza 36
Fuel$77/hr
Variable$195/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$61,000/yr
Diamond DA50 RG
Fuel$50/hr
Variable$135/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$45,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Beechcraft Bonanza 36 or Diamond DA50 RG?
Bottom line: Choose the DA50 RG for Jet-A diesel economics, modern composite construction and Garmin G1000 NXi. Choose the Bonanza 36 for six seats, the iconic Beechcraft cabin and the much larger active support network.
Pick the Bonanza 36 if…
- Budget matters — from $189,000 vs $737,764, you save ~$548,764.
- More seats — 6 vs 5.
- More inventory — 207 listings vs 31.
Pick the DA50 RG if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$135/hr vs $195/hr.
- Faster cruise — 180 kts vs 168 kts.
- Longer range — 750 nm vs 697 nm.
- Newer design — production from 2020 vs 1968.
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 36 or Diamond DA50 RG?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Bonanza 36 cruises at 168 kts with 697 nm range.
The DA50 RG cruises at 180 kts with 750 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Beechcraft Bonanza 36: from $463,958.
Diamond DA50 RG: from $1,175,800.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Beechcraft Bonanza 36 and Diamond DA50 RG?
Seats: 6 vs 5.
Cruise: 168 vs 180 kts.
Range: 697 vs 750 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Bonanza 36: about $195/hr variable cost.
DA50 RG: about $135/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.
DA50 RG: 5 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.
DA50 RG: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$28,000.
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