Beechcraft Bonanza 36 vs Piper Malibu
The Piper Malibu PA-46 (six-seat pressurised, ~213-240 kt depending on variant) and Beechcraft Bonanza 36 (six-seat unpressurised, ~175 kt) are different-class aircraft — the Malibu adds pressurisation and significantly higher cruise.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Beechcraft Bonanza 36 | Piper Malibu |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $189,000 – $1,395,000 | $221,274 – $4,582,731 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 285 HP | 310 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 168 kts (311 km/h) | 198 kts (367 km/h) |
| Range | 697 nm (1,291 km) | 1,300 nm (2,408 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 18,000 ft (5,486 m) | 25,000 ft (7,620 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,400 lbs (1,542 kg) | 4,100 lbs (1,860 kg) |
| Useful Load | — | 1,200 lbs (544 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 74.0 gal (280 L) | 120.0 gal (454 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 14.0 GPH (53 L/h) | 16.0 GPH (61 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,700 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $35,000 | $35,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $22,000 | $22,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $195 | $190 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston (Turbocharged) |
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 Malibu
Fuel$88/hr
Variable$190/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$60,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Beechcraft Bonanza 36 or Piper Malibu?
Bottom line: Choose the Malibu/M-series when you need pressurisation and ~40+ kt more cruise. Choose the Bonanza 36 for materially lower acquisition cost, unpressurised six-seat operations and the iconic Beechcraft cabin.
Pick the Bonanza 36 if…
- Budget matters — from $189,000 vs $221,274, you save ~$32,274.
Pick the Malibu if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$190/hr vs $195/hr.
- Faster cruise — 198 kts vs 168 kts.
- Longer range — 1300 nm vs 697 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1984 vs 1968.
- More inventory — 303 listings vs 207.
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 Malibu?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Bonanza 36 cruises at 168 kts with 697 nm range.
The Malibu cruises at 198 kts with 1,300 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 Malibu: from $496,655.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Beechcraft Bonanza 36 and Piper Malibu?
Cruise: 168 vs 198 kts.
Range: 697 vs 1300 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Bonanza 36: about $195/hr variable cost.
Malibu: about $190/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.
Malibu: 6 seats / 1,200 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.
Malibu: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$35,000.
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