Beechcraft Bonanza vs Piper Malibu
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle
Beechcraft Bonanza
- For sale now
- 5
- Model years available
- 1947–1972
Piper Malibu
- For sale now
- 281
- Median asking
- $950,000
- Range
- $417,000–$3,032,000
- Model years available
- 1984–2026
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 | Piper Malibu |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $56,320 – $270,500 | $417,000 – $3,032,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 285 HP | 310 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 165 kts (306 km/h) | 213 kts (394 km/h) |
| Range | 700 nm (1,296 km) | 1,300 nm (2,408 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 18,500 ft (5,639 m) | 25,000 ft (7,620 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | — | 4,100 lbs (1,860 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,100 lbs (499 kg) | 1,200 lbs (544 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 120.0 gal (454 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 14.0 GPH (53 L/h) | 16.0 GPH (61 L/h) |
| TBO | — | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $35,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $22,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $190 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston (Turbocharged) |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateBeechcraft BONANZA
Fuel$77/hr
Piper Malibu
Fuel$88/hr
Variable$190/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$60,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Beechcraft Bonanza or Piper Malibu?
Pick the Bonanza if…
- Budget matters — from $56,320 vs $417,000, you save ~$360,680.
Pick the Malibu if…
- More seats — 6 vs 4.
- Faster cruise — 213 kts vs 165 kts.
- Longer range — 1300 nm vs 700 nm.
- More inventory — 23 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 Piper Malibu?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The BONANZA cruises at 165 kts with 700 nm range.
The Malibu cruises at 213 kts with 1,300 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Piper Malibu: from $419,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Beechcraft Bonanza and Piper Malibu?
Seats: 4 vs 6.
Cruise: 165 vs 213 kts.
Range: 700 vs 1300 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Malibu: about $190/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.
Malibu: 6 seats / 1,200 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?
Malibu: 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