Beechcraft Bonanza A36 vs Piper Dakota
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle
Beechcraft Bonanza A36
- For sale now
- 134
- Median asking
- $349,000
- Range
- $227,600–$586,325
- Model years available
- 1969–2005
Piper Dakota
- For sale now
- 20
- Median asking
- $185,000
- Range
- $138,500–$301,040
- Model years available
- 1978–1994
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Beechcraft Bonanza A36 | Piper Dakota |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $227,600 – $586,325 | $138,500 – $301,040 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 300 HP | 235 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 169 kts (313 km/h) | 143 kts (265 km/h) |
| Range | 720 nm (1,333 km) | 650 nm (1,204 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 18,500 ft (5,639 m) | 17,000 ft (5,182 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,650 lbs (1,656 kg) | 3,000 lbs (1,361 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,245 lbs (565 kg) | 1,150 lbs (522 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 74.0 gal (280 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 14.5 GPH (55 L/h) | 13.0 GPH (49 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | — |
| Overhaul Cost | $35,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $22,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $195 | — |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateBeechcraft Bonanza A36
Fuel$80/hr
Variable$195/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$61,000/yr
Piper Dakota
Fuel$72/hr
Which Should You Buy: Beechcraft Bonanza A36 or Piper Dakota?
Pick the Bonanza A36 if…
- More seats — 6 vs 4.
- Faster cruise — 169 kts vs 143 kts.
- Longer range — 720 nm vs 650 nm.
- More inventory — 160 listings vs 20.
Pick the Dakota if…
- Budget matters — from $138,500 vs $227,600, you save ~$89,100.
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 Piper Dakota?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Bonanza A36 cruises at 169 kts with 720 nm range.
The Dakota cruises at 143 kts with 650 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Beechcraft Bonanza A36: from $599,000.
Piper Dakota: from $279,500.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Beechcraft Bonanza A36 and Piper Dakota?
Bonanza A36 engine: Continental IO-550B (300 hp).
Seats: 6 vs 4.
Cruise: 169 vs 143 kts.
Range: 720 vs 650 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.
Dakota: 4 seats / 1,150 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