Beechcraft Bonanza vs Commander 114

The Rockwell Commander 114 and Beechcraft Bonanza are roomy four/five-seat retractable singles — the Commander notably wide-bodied and stable, the Bonanza the speed/quality benchmark.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily

Beechcraft Bonanza
For sale now
5
Model years available
1947–1972
Commander 114
For sale now
13
Median asking
$207,000
Range
$109,500–$278,350
Model years available
1976–1996

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 BonanzaCommander 114
All events—12
Serious—1
Fatal—7
Fatalities—19
% Fatal—58%
View full Beechcraft Bonanza NTSB record →View full Commander 114 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Beechcraft BONANZA Commander 114
Beechcraft Bonanza
View 3 listings →
Median $95,000
 Commander 114
View 17 listings →
Median $207,000
Price Range $56,320 – $270,500 $109,500 – $278,350
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 4 4
Horsepower 285 HP 260 HP
Cruise Speed 165 kts (306 km/h) 155 kts (287 km/h)
Range 700 nm (1,296 km) 600 nm (1,111 km)
Service Ceiling 18,500 ft (5,639 m) 16,500 ft (5,029 m)
Max Gross Weight — 3,250 lbs (1,474 kg)
Useful Load 1,100 lbs (499 kg) 1,100 lbs (499 kg)
Fuel Burn 14.0 GPH (53 L/h) 10.0 GPH (38 L/h)
TBO — 2,000 hrs
Overhaul Cost — $30,000
Annual Fixed — $18,000
Hourly Variable — $145
Engines 1 x Piston 1 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Beechcraft BONANZA

Fuel$77/hr

Commander 114

Fuel$55/hr
Variable$145/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $47,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Beechcraft Bonanza or Commander 114?

Bottom line: Choose the Bonanza for higher speed, the best resale and the gold-standard reputation; choose the Commander 114 for one of the widest cabins in the class, solid stability and lower acquisition cost. Bonanza = speed/resale; Commander 114 = cabin width/value.

Pick the Bonanza if…

  • Budget matters — from $56,320 vs $109,500, you save ~$53,180.
  • Faster cruise — 165 kts vs 155 kts.
  • Longer range — 700 nm vs 600 nm.

Pick the 114 if…

  • More inventory — 17 listings vs 3.

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 or Commander 114?
It depends on your mission and budget. The BONANZA cruises at 165 kts with 700 nm range. The 114 cruises at 155 kts with 600 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Commander 114: from $240,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Beechcraft Bonanza and Commander 114?
Cruise: 165 vs 155 kts. Range: 700 vs 600 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
114: about $145/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: 4 seats / 1,100 lb useful load. 114: 4 seats / 1,100 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?
114: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$30,000. 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