Beechcraft Bonanza B36TC vs Piper Seneca
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Beechcraft Bonanza B36TC | Piper Seneca |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $220,166 – $750,000 | $53,000 – $875,837 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Multi Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 300 HP | — |
| Cruise Speed | 186 kts (344 km/h) | 180 kts (333 km/h) |
| Range | 1,060 nm (1,963 km) | 750 nm (1,389 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 25,000 ft (7,620 m) | 25,000 ft (7,620 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,850 lbs (1,746 kg) | 4,750 lbs (2,155 kg) |
| Useful Load | — | 1,590 lbs (721 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 102.0 gal (386 L) | 123.0 gal (466 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 17.0 GPH (64 L/h) | 22.0 GPH (83 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,700 hrs | 1,800 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $38,000 | $40,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $24,000 | $25,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $200 | $280 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 2 x Piston (Turbocharged) |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateBeechcraft Bonanza B36TC
Fuel$94/hr
Variable$200/hr
Annual Fixed$24,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$64,000/yr
Piper Seneca
Fuel$121/hr
Variable$280/hr
Annual Fixed$25,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$81,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Beechcraft Bonanza B36TC or Piper Seneca?
Pick the Bonanza B36TC if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$200/hr vs $280/hr.
- Faster cruise — 186 kts vs 180 kts.
- Longer range — 1060 nm vs 750 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1979 vs 1972.
Pick the Seneca if…
- Budget matters — from $53,000 vs $220,166, you save ~$167,166.
- More inventory — 112 listings vs 18.
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 B36TC or Piper Seneca?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Bonanza B36TC cruises at 186 kts with 1,060 nm range.
The Seneca cruises at 180 kts with 750 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Beechcraft Bonanza B36TC: from $429,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Beechcraft Bonanza B36TC and Piper Seneca?
Bonanza B36TC engine: Continental TSIO-520-UB (300 hp).
Cruise: 186 vs 180 kts.
Range: 1060 vs 750 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Bonanza B36TC: about $200/hr variable cost.
Seneca: about $280/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 B36TC: 6 seats.
Seneca: 6 seats / 1,590 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 B36TC: 1,700-hour TBO, overhaul ~$38,000.
Seneca: 1,800-hour TBO, overhaul ~$40,000.
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