Beechcraft Bonanza A36 vs Mooney 231
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle
Beechcraft Bonanza A36
- For sale now
- 167
- Median asking
- $349,000
- Range
- $213,400–$566,630
- Model years available
- 1969–2005
Mooney 231
- For sale now
- 58
- Median asking
- $165,000
- Range
- $99,500–$239,720
- Model years available
- 1978–1997
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
Safety Record
Absolute counts scale with fleet size — the most-produced types log more events without being less safe. Compare the % fatal.
| NTSB (1982–now) | Beechcraft Bonanza A36 | Mooney 231 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | — | 3 |
| Serious | — | 0 |
| Fatal | — | 0 |
| Fatalities | — | 0 |
| % Fatal | — | 0% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Beechcraft Bonanza A36 | Mooney 231 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $213,400 – $566,630 | $99,500 – $239,720 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | — |
| Horsepower | 300 HP | 210 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 169 kts (313 km/h) | 191 kts (354 km/h) |
| Range | 720 nm (1,333 km) | 981 nm (1,817 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 18,500 ft (5,639 m) | 24,000 ft (7,315 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,650 lbs (1,656 kg) | 2,900 lbs (1,315 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,245 lbs (565 kg) | 900 lbs (408 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 74.0 gal (280 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 14.5 GPH (55 L/h) | 13.3 GPH (50 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | — |
| Overhaul Cost | $35,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $22,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $195 | — |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston (Turbocharged) |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateBeechcraft Bonanza A36
Fuel$80/hr
Variable$195/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$61,000/yr
Mooney 231
Fuel$73/hr
Which Should You Buy: Beechcraft Bonanza A36 or Mooney 231?
Pick the Bonanza A36 if…
- More inventory — 162 listings vs 8.
Pick the 231 if…
- Budget matters — from $99,500 vs $213,400, you save ~$113,900.
- Faster cruise — 191 kts vs 169 kts.
- Longer range — 981 nm vs 720 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 A36 or Mooney 231?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Bonanza A36 cruises at 169 kts with 720 nm range.
The 231 cruises at 191 kts with 981 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Beechcraft Bonanza A36: from $365,000.
Mooney 231: from $199,900.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Beechcraft Bonanza A36 and Mooney 231?
Bonanza A36 engine: Continental IO-550B (300 hp).
231 engine: Continental TSIO-360-GB;TSIO-360-LB (210 hp).
Cruise: 169 vs 191 kts.
Range: 720 vs 981 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Bonanza A36: about $195/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 A36: 6 seats / 1,245 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 A36: 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 re-checked on a rolling cycle — most within a few days · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data