Beechcraft Bonanza 36 vs Piper Saratoga
The Bonanza 36 and Piper Saratoga are the two classic six-seat single-engine retractables — the Bonanza is the Beechcraft refined option (~175 kt); the Saratoga is the Piper club-cabin family hauler (~150-165 kt).
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Beechcraft Bonanza 36 | Piper Saratoga |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $189,000 – $1,395,000 | $39,900 – $745,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 285 HP | 300 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 168 kts (311 km/h) | 163 kts (302 km/h) |
| Range | 697 nm (1,291 km) | 950 nm (1,759 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 18,000 ft (5,486 m) | 20,000 ft (6,096 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,400 lbs (1,542 kg) | 3,600 lbs (1,633 kg) |
| Useful Load | — | 1,360 lbs (617 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 74.0 gal (280 L) | 102.0 gal (386 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 14.0 GPH (53 L/h) | 15.0 GPH (57 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,700 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $35,000 | $32,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $22,000 | $20,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $195 | $170 |
| 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 Saratoga
Fuel$82/hr
Variable$170/hr
Annual Fixed$20,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$54,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Beechcraft Bonanza 36 or Piper Saratoga?
Bottom line: Choose the Bonanza 36 for higher cruise, refined Beechcraft cabin and stronger residual values. Choose the Saratoga for the larger club-seating cabin, lower acquisition cost and Piper systems familiarity — the practical family aircraft.
Pick the Bonanza 36 if…
- Faster cruise — 168 kts vs 163 kts.
- More inventory — 207 listings vs 164.
Pick the Saratoga if…
- Budget matters — from $39,900 vs $189,000, you save ~$149,100.
- Lower operating cost — ~$170/hr vs $195/hr.
- Longer range — 950 nm vs 697 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1980 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 Piper Saratoga?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Bonanza 36 cruises at 168 kts with 697 nm range.
The Saratoga cruises at 163 kts with 950 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Beechcraft Bonanza 36: from $463,958.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Beechcraft Bonanza 36 and Piper Saratoga?
Cruise: 168 vs 163 kts.
Range: 697 vs 950 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Bonanza 36: about $195/hr variable cost.
Saratoga: about $170/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.
Saratoga: 6 seats / 1,360 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.
Saratoga: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$32,000.
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