Beechcraft Sundowner vs Piper Arrow
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Beechcraft Sundowner | Piper Arrow |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $39,454 – $145,000 | $44,950 – $429,460 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 180 HP | 200 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 125 kts (232 km/h) | 135 kts (250 km/h) |
| Range | 600 nm (1,111 km) | 720 nm (1,333 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 15,400 ft (4,694 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | — | 2,750 lbs (1,247 kg) |
| Useful Load | 900 lbs (408 kg) | 940 lbs (426 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 72.0 gal (273 L) |
| Fuel Burn | — | 10.5 GPH (40 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $30,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $18,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $145 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateBeechcraft Sundowner
Piper Arrow
Fuel$58/hr
Variable$145/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$47,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Beechcraft Sundowner or Piper Arrow?
Pick the Sundowner if…
- Budget matters — from $39,454 vs $44,950, you save ~$5,496.
- More seats — 6 vs 4.
- Newer design — production from 1971 vs 1967.
Pick the Arrow if…
- Faster cruise — 135 kts vs 125 kts.
- Longer range — 720 nm vs 600 nm.
- More inventory — 195 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 Sundowner or Piper Arrow?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Sundowner cruises at 125 kts with 600 nm range.
The Arrow cruises at 135 kts with 720 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Piper Arrow: from $79,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Beechcraft Sundowner and Piper Arrow?
Sundowner engine: Lycoming IO-360-A1B6 (180 hp).
Seats: 6 vs 4.
Cruise: 125 vs 135 kts.
Range: 600 vs 720 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Arrow: about $145/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?
Sundowner: 6 seats / 900 lb useful load.
Arrow: 4 seats / 940 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?
Sundowner: 2,000-hour TBO.
Arrow: 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