Beechcraft Bonanza A36 vs Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Beechcraft Bonanza A36
- For sale now
- 134
- Median asking
- $349,000
- Range
- $227,600–$586,325
- Model years available
- 1969–2005
Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser
- For sale now
- 12
- Median asking
- $80,000
- Range
- $56,750–$172,500
- Model years available
- 1946–1947
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
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| Spec / Model | Beechcraft Bonanza A36 | Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $227,600 – $586,325 | $56,750 – $172,500 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 3 |
| Horsepower | 300 HP | 108 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 169 kts (313 km/h) | 90 kts (167 km/h) |
| Range | 720 nm (1,333 km) | 520 nm (963 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 18,500 ft (5,639 m) | 16,000 ft (4,877 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,650 lbs (1,656 kg) | 1,750 lbs (794 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,245 lbs (565 kg) | 650 lbs (295 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 74.0 gal (280 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 14.5 GPH (55 L/h) | 7.0 GPH (26 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 PA-12 Super Cruiser
Fuel$38/hr
Which Should You Buy: Beechcraft Bonanza A36 or Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser?
Pick the Bonanza A36 if…
- More seats — 6 vs 3.
- Faster cruise — 169 kts vs 90 kts.
- Longer range — 720 nm vs 520 nm.
- More inventory — 159 listings vs 16.
Pick the PA-12 Super Cruiser if…
- Budget matters — from $56,750 vs $227,600, you save ~$170,850.
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 PA-12 Super Cruiser?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Bonanza A36 cruises at 169 kts with 720 nm range.
The PA-12 Super Cruiser cruises at 90 kts with 520 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 PA-12 Super Cruiser: from $89,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Beechcraft Bonanza A36 and Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser?
Bonanza A36 engine: Continental IO-550B (300 hp).
Seats: 6 vs 3.
Cruise: 169 vs 90 kts.
Range: 720 vs 520 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.
PA-12 Super Cruiser: 3 seats / 650 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 updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data