Beechcraft Bonanza 36 vs Piper Arrow
The Beechcraft Bonanza 36 (six-seat, 285+ hp Continental, ~175 kt) and Piper Arrow (four-seat, 200 hp Lycoming, ~135-140 kt) are very different aircraft — different class, different mission.
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Beechcraft Bonanza 36 | Piper Arrow |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $189,000 – $1,395,000 | $44,950 – $429,460 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 285 HP | 200 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 168 kts (311 km/h) | 135 kts (250 km/h) |
| Range | 697 nm (1,291 km) | 720 nm (1,333 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 18,000 ft (5,486 m) | 15,400 ft (4,694 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,400 lbs (1,542 kg) | 2,750 lbs (1,247 kg) |
| Useful Load | — | 940 lbs (426 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 74.0 gal (280 L) | 72.0 gal (273 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 14.0 GPH (53 L/h) | 10.5 GPH (40 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,700 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $35,000 | $30,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $22,000 | $18,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $195 | $145 |
| 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
Piper Arrow
Fuel$58/hr
Variable$145/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$47,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Beechcraft Bonanza 36 or Piper Arrow?
Bottom line: Choose the Bonanza 36 for six seats, much higher cruise and the iconic Beechcraft cabin. Choose the Arrow only for the cheapest entry into a four-seat retractable single — primarily a complex-rating trainer at much lower acquisition cost.
Pick the Bonanza 36 if…
- More seats — 6 vs 4.
- Faster cruise — 168 kts vs 135 kts.
- Newer design — production from 1968 vs 1967.
- More inventory — 207 listings vs 188.
Pick the Arrow if…
- Budget matters — from $44,950 vs $189,000, you save ~$144,050.
- Lower operating cost — ~$145/hr vs $195/hr.
- Longer range — 720 nm vs 697 nm.
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 Piper Arrow?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Bonanza 36 cruises at 168 kts with 697 nm range.
The Arrow cruises at 135 kts with 720 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Beechcraft Bonanza 36: from $463,958.
Piper Arrow: from $79,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Beechcraft Bonanza 36 and Piper Arrow?
Seats: 6 vs 4.
Cruise: 168 vs 135 kts.
Range: 697 vs 720 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Bonanza 36: about $195/hr variable cost.
Arrow: about $145/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.
Arrow: 4 seats / 940 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.
Arrow: 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