Beechcraft Bonanza vs Ryan Navion

The Ryan Navion and Beechcraft Bonanza are post-war low-wing four-seat retractables — the Navion over-built and sturdy with a sliding canopy, the Bonanza faster and the quality benchmark.

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
Ryan Navion

No active listings right now.

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 BonanzaRyan Navion
All events70
Serious14
Fatal13
Fatalities26
% Fatal19%

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Beechcraft BONANZA Ryan Navion
Beechcraft Bonanza
View 3 listings →
Median $95,000
Price Range $56,320 – $270,500
Category Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 4
Horsepower 285 HP
Cruise Speed 165 kts (306 km/h) 130 kts (241 km/h)
Range 700 nm (1,296 km) 609 nm (1,128 km)
Service Ceiling 18,500 ft (5,639 m)
Max Gross Weight 2,750 lbs (1,247 kg)
Useful Load 1,100 lbs (499 kg)
Fuel Burn 14.0 GPH (53 L/h)
Engines 1 x Piston

Which Should You Buy: Beechcraft Bonanza or Ryan Navion?

Bottom line: Choose the Bonanza for speed, resale and refinement; choose the Navion for rugged over-built construction, a roomy canopy cabin and lower cost. Bonanza = speed/resale; Navion = sturdy/value.

Pick the Bonanza if…

  • Faster cruise — 165 kts vs 130 kts.
  • Longer range — 700 nm vs 609 nm.

Pick the Navion if…

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 Ryan Navion?
It depends on your mission and budget. The BONANZA cruises at 165 kts with 700 nm range. The Navion cruises at 130 kts with 609 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Beechcraft Bonanza and Ryan Navion?
Cruise: 165 vs 130 kts. Range: 700 vs 609 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
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. 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?
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