Beechcraft Staggerwing vs Piper Malibu
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Beechcraft Staggerwing | Piper Malibu |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $289,000 – $775,000 | $221,274 – $4,582,731 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 1 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 450 HP | 310 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 180 kts (333 km/h) | 198 kts (367 km/h) |
| Range | 750 nm (1,389 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 | 1,100 lbs (499 kg) | 1,200 lbs (544 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 120.0 gal (454 L) |
| Fuel Burn | — | 16.0 GPH (61 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,500 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
EstimateBeechcraft Staggerwing
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 Staggerwing or Piper Malibu?
Pick the Staggerwing if…
Pick the Malibu if…
- Budget matters — from $221,274 vs $289,000, you save ~$67,726.
- More seats — 6 vs 1.
- Faster cruise — 198 kts vs 180 kts.
- Longer range — 1300 nm vs 750 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1984 vs 1937.
- More inventory — 303 listings vs 4.
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 Staggerwing or Piper Malibu?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Staggerwing cruises at 180 kts with 750 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 Staggerwing: from $289,000.
Piper Malibu: from $221,274.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Beechcraft Staggerwing and Piper Malibu?
Staggerwing engine: Pratt & Whitney R-985 (450 hp).
Seats: 1 vs 6.
Cruise: 180 vs 198 kts.
Range: 750 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?
Staggerwing: 1 seats / 1,100 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?
Staggerwing: 1,500-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