Beechcraft Debonair 33 vs Cessna 172
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Beechcraft Debonair 33 | Cessna 172 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $75,000 – $224,000 | $27,900 – $589,500 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 285 HP | 180 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 168 kts (311 km/h) | 122 kts (226 km/h) |
| Range | 920 nm (1,704 km) | 640 nm (1,185 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | — | 2,550 lbs (1,157 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,134 lbs (514 kg) | 878 lbs (398 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 56.0 gal (212 L) |
| Fuel Burn | — | 8.6 GPH (33 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,700 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $30,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $18,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $130 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateBeechcraft Debonair 33
Cessna 172
Fuel$47/hr
Variable$130/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$44,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Beechcraft Debonair 33 or Cessna 172?
Pick the Debonair 33 if…
- More seats — 6 vs 4.
- Faster cruise — 168 kts vs 122 kts.
- Longer range — 920 nm vs 640 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1959 vs 1956.
Pick the 172 if…
- Budget matters — from $27,900 vs $75,000, you save ~$47,100.
- More inventory — 411 listings vs 19.
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 Debonair 33 or Cessna 172?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Debonair 33 cruises at 168 kts with 920 nm range.
The 172 cruises at 122 kts with 640 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Beechcraft Debonair 33: from $198,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Beechcraft Debonair 33 and Cessna 172?
Debonair 33 engine: Continental IO-470-J (285 hp).
172 engine: Continental O-300 (180 hp).
Seats: 6 vs 4.
Cruise: 168 vs 122 kts.
Range: 920 vs 640 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
172: about $130/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?
Debonair 33: 6 seats / 1,134 lb useful load.
172: 4 seats / 878 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?
Debonair 33: 1,700-hour TBO.
172: 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