Beechcraft Bonanza vs Piper Saratoga
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 Saratoga
- For sale now
- 170
- Median asking
- $226,400
- Range
- $115,250–$495,525
- Model years available
- 1965–2007
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 Bonanza | Piper Saratoga |
|---|---|---|
| All events | — | 1 |
| Serious | — | 0 |
| Fatal | — | 0 |
| Fatalities | — | 0 |
| % Fatal | — | 0% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Beechcraft BONANZA | Piper Saratoga |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $56,320 – $270,500 | $115,250 – $495,525 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 285 HP | 300 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 165 kts (306 km/h) | 163 kts (302 km/h) |
| Range | 700 nm (1,296 km) | 950 nm (1,759 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 18,500 ft (5,639 m) | 20,000 ft (6,096 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | — | 3,600 lbs (1,633 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,100 lbs (499 kg) | 1,360 lbs (617 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 102.0 gal (386 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 14.0 GPH (53 L/h) | 15.0 GPH (57 L/h) |
| TBO | — | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $32,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $20,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $170 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateBeechcraft BONANZA
Fuel$77/hr
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 or Piper Saratoga?
Pick the Bonanza if…
- Budget matters — from $56,320 vs $115,250, you save ~$58,930.
- Faster cruise — 165 kts vs 163 kts.
Pick the Saratoga if…
- More seats — 6 vs 4.
- Longer range — 950 nm vs 700 nm.
- More inventory — 122 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 Saratoga?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The BONANZA cruises at 165 kts with 700 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?
Piper Saratoga: from $498,500.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Beechcraft Bonanza and Piper Saratoga?
Seats: 4 vs 6.
Cruise: 165 vs 163 kts.
Range: 700 vs 950 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
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: 4 seats / 1,100 lb useful load.
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?
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 re-checked on a rolling cycle — most within a few days · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data