Beechcraft Bonanza vs Piper Seneca
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 Seneca
- For sale now
- 111
- Median asking
- $227,990
- Range
- $89,465–$640,128
- Model years available
- 1967–2023
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 Seneca |
|---|---|---|
| All events | — | 2 |
| Serious | — | 0 |
| Fatal | — | 0 |
| Fatalities | — | 0 |
| % Fatal | — | 0% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Beechcraft BONANZA | Piper Seneca |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $56,320 – $270,500 | $89,465 – $640,128 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Multi Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 285 HP | 220 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 165 kts (306 km/h) | 180 kts (333 km/h) |
| Range | 700 nm (1,296 km) | 750 nm (1,389 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 18,500 ft (5,639 m) | 25,000 ft (7,620 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | — | 4,750 lbs (2,155 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,100 lbs (499 kg) | 1,590 lbs (721 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 123.0 gal (466 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 14.0 GPH (53 L/h) | 22.0 GPH (83 L/h) |
| TBO | — | 1,800 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $40,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $25,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $280 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 2 x Piston (Turbocharged) |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateBeechcraft BONANZA
Fuel$77/hr
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 or Piper Seneca?
Pick the Bonanza if…
- Budget matters — from $56,320 vs $89,465, you save ~$33,145.
Pick the Seneca if…
- More seats — 6 vs 4.
- Faster cruise — 180 kts vs 165 kts.
- Longer range — 750 nm vs 700 nm.
- More inventory — 115 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 Seneca?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The BONANZA cruises at 165 kts with 700 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?
Piper Seneca: from $248,653.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Beechcraft Bonanza and Piper Seneca?
Seats: 4 vs 6.
Cruise: 165 vs 180 kts.
Range: 700 vs 750 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
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: 4 seats / 1,100 lb useful load.
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?
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 re-checked on a rolling cycle — most within a few days · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data