Beechcraft Debonair 33 vs Piper Malibu

Full Specs Comparison

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Spec / Model Beechcraft Debonair 33 Piper Malibu
Beechcraft Debonair 33
View 20 listings →
Median $165,000
Piper Malibu
View 302 listings →
Median $940,000
Price Range $75,000 – $224,000 $221,331 – $4,582,731
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 6 6
Horsepower 285 HP 310 HP
Cruise Speed 168 kts (311 km/h) 198 kts (367 km/h)
Range 920 nm (1,704 km) 1,300 nm (2,408 km)
Service Ceiling 25,000 ft (7,620 m)
Max Gross Weight 4,100 lbs (1,860 kg)
Useful Load 1,134 lbs (514 kg) 1,200 lbs (544 kg)
Fuel Capacity 120.0 gal (454 L)
Fuel Burn 16.0 GPH (61 L/h)
TBO 1,700 hrs 2,000 hrs
Overhaul Cost $35,000
Annual Fixed $22,000
Hourly Variable $190
Engines 1 x Piston 1 x Piston (Turbocharged)

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Beechcraft Debonair 33

Piper Malibu

Fuel$88/hr
Variable$190/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $60,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Beechcraft Debonair 33 or Piper Malibu?

Pick the Debonair 33 if…

  • Budget matters — from $75,000 vs $221,331, you save ~$146,331.

Pick the Malibu if…

  • Faster cruise — 198 kts vs 168 kts.
  • Longer range — 1300 nm vs 920 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 1984 vs 1959.
  • More inventory — 302 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 Malibu?
It depends on your mission and budget. The Debonair 33 cruises at 168 kts with 920 nm range. The Malibu cruises at 198 kts with 1,300 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 Malibu: from $630,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Beechcraft Debonair 33 and Piper Malibu?
Debonair 33 engine: Continental IO-470-J (285 hp). Cruise: 168 vs 198 kts. Range: 920 vs 1300 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Malibu: about $190/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. Malibu: 6 seats / 1,200 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. Malibu: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$35,000. 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