Beechcraft Debonair 33 vs Piper Cherokee
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Beechcraft Debonair 33 | Piper Cherokee |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $75,000 – $224,000 | $9,800 – $9,950,010 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 285 HP | 150 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 168 kts (311 km/h) | 117 kts (217 km/h) |
| Range | 920 nm (1,704 km) | 525 nm (972 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 14,300 ft (4,359 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | — | 2,150 lbs (975 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,134 lbs (514 kg) | 850 lbs (386 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 50.0 gal (189 L) |
| Fuel Burn | — | 8.0 GPH (30 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,700 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $28,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $16,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $120 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateBeechcraft Debonair 33
Piper Cherokee
Fuel$44/hr
Variable$120/hr
Annual Fixed$16,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$40,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Beechcraft Debonair 33 or Piper Cherokee?
Pick the Debonair 33 if…
- More seats — 6 vs 4.
- Faster cruise — 168 kts vs 117 kts.
- Longer range — 920 nm vs 525 nm.
Pick the Cherokee if…
- Budget matters — from $9,800 vs $75,000, you save ~$65,200.
- Newer design — production from 1961 vs 1959.
- More inventory — 635 listings vs 20.
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 Piper Cherokee?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Debonair 33 cruises at 168 kts with 920 nm range.
The Cherokee cruises at 117 kts with 525 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Beechcraft Debonair 33: from $197,000.
Piper Cherokee: from $115,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Beechcraft Debonair 33 and Piper Cherokee?
Debonair 33 engine: Continental IO-470-J (285 hp).
Seats: 6 vs 4.
Cruise: 168 vs 117 kts.
Range: 920 vs 525 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Cherokee: about $120/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.
Cherokee: 4 seats / 850 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.
Cherokee: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$28,000.
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