Beechcraft Bonanza A36 vs Piper Saratoga
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Beechcraft Bonanza A36 | Piper Saratoga |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $189,900 – $699,000 | $39,900 – $745,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 300 HP | 300 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 169 kts (313 km/h) | 163 kts (302 km/h) |
| Range | 720 nm (1,333 km) | 950 nm (1,759 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 18,500 ft (5,639 m) | 20,000 ft (6,096 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,650 lbs (1,656 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 | 14.5 GPH (55 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 A36
Fuel$80/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 A36 or Piper Saratoga?
Pick the Bonanza A36 if…
- Faster cruise — 169 kts vs 163 kts.
Pick the Saratoga if…
- Budget matters — from $39,900 vs $189,900, you save ~$150,000.
- Lower operating cost — ~$170/hr vs $195/hr.
- Longer range — 950 nm vs 720 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1980 vs 1970.
- More inventory — 163 listings vs 140.
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 Saratoga?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Bonanza A36 cruises at 169 kts with 720 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 A36: from $225,000.
Piper Saratoga: from $494,900.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Beechcraft Bonanza A36 and Piper Saratoga?
Bonanza A36 engine: Continental IO-550B (300 hp).
Cruise: 169 vs 163 kts.
Range: 720 vs 950 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Bonanza A36: 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 A36: 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 A36: 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