Beechcraft Bonanza 36 vs Mooney M20J
The Beechcraft Bonanza 36 (six-seat retractable, 175 kt) and Mooney M20J (four-seat retractable, 160 kt) are different-class aircraft — the Bonanza is the larger, faster, more capable machine; the M20J is the efficient four-seat alternative.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Beechcraft Bonanza 36 | Mooney M20J |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $189,000 – $1,395,000 | $59,394 – $266,441 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 285 HP | 200 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 168 kts (311 km/h) | 161 kts (298 km/h) |
| Range | 697 nm (1,291 km) | 820 nm (1,519 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 18,000 ft (5,486 m) | 18,800 ft (5,730 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,400 lbs (1,542 kg) | 2,740 lbs (1,243 kg) |
| Useful Load | — | 900 lbs (408 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 74.0 gal (280 L) | 64.0 gal (242 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 14.0 GPH (53 L/h) | 10.0 GPH (38 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,700 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $35,000 | $30,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $22,000 | $18,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $195 | $140 |
| 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
Mooney M20J
Fuel$55/hr
Variable$140/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$46,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Beechcraft Bonanza 36 or Mooney M20J?
Bottom line: Choose the Bonanza 36 when you need six seats, more useful load and the iconic Beechcraft cabin and support. Choose the M20J for cross-country efficiency at a fraction of Bonanza operating cost — when four seats are enough.
Pick the Bonanza 36 if…
- More seats — 6 vs 4.
- Faster cruise — 168 kts vs 161 kts.
- More inventory — 198 listings vs 54.
Pick the M20J if…
- Budget matters — from $59,394 vs $189,000, you save ~$129,606.
- Lower operating cost — ~$140/hr vs $195/hr.
- Longer range — 820 nm vs 697 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1977 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 Mooney M20J?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Bonanza 36 cruises at 168 kts with 697 nm range.
The M20J cruises at 161 kts with 820 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Beechcraft Bonanza 36: from $448,372.
Mooney M20J: from $159,900.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Beechcraft Bonanza 36 and Mooney M20J?
M20J engine: Lycoming O-320 (200 hp).
Seats: 6 vs 4.
Cruise: 168 vs 161 kts.
Range: 697 vs 820 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Bonanza 36: about $195/hr variable cost.
M20J: about $140/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.
M20J: 4 seats / 900 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.
M20J: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$30,000.
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