Beechcraft Bonanza 36 vs Cessna 165
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle
Beechcraft Bonanza 36
- For sale now
- 208
- Median asking
- $399,000
- Range
- $229,000–$875,000
- Model years available
- 1968–2026
Cessna 165
- For sale now
- 2
- Model years available
- 1940–1940
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
Safety Record
Absolute counts scale with fleet size — the most-produced types log more events without being less safe. Compare the % fatal.
| NTSB (1982–now) | Beechcraft Bonanza 36 | Cessna 165 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | — | 1 |
| Serious | — | 0 |
| Fatal | — | 0 |
| Fatalities | — | 0 |
| % Fatal | — | 0% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Beechcraft Bonanza 36 | Cessna 165 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $229,000 – $875,000 | $150,580 – $161,025 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 285 HP | 145 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 168 kts (311 km/h) | 110 kts (204 km/h) |
| Range | 697 nm (1,291 km) | 500 nm (926 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 18,000 ft (5,486 m) | 15,000 ft (4,572 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,400 lbs (1,542 kg) | 2,200 lbs (998 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,245 lbs (565 kg) | 850 lbs (386 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 74.0 gal (280 L) | 46.0 gal (174 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 14.0 GPH (53 L/h) | 9.0 GPH (34 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,700 hrs | 1,200 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $35,000 | $40,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $22,000 | $20,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $195 | $180 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateBeechcraft Bonanza 36
Fuel$77/hr
Variable$195/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$61,000/yr
Cessna 165
Fuel$50/hr
Variable$180/hr
Annual Fixed$20,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$56,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Beechcraft Bonanza 36 or Cessna 165?
Pick the Bonanza 36 if…
- More seats — 6 vs 4.
- Faster cruise — 168 kts vs 110 kts.
- Longer range — 697 nm vs 500 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1968 vs 1939.
- More inventory — 14 listings vs 1.
Pick the 165 if…
- Budget matters — from $150,580 vs $229,000, you save ~$78,420.
- Lower operating cost — ~$180/hr vs $195/hr.
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 Bonanza 36 or Cessna 165?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Bonanza 36 cruises at 168 kts with 697 nm range.
The 165 cruises at 110 kts with 500 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Beechcraft Bonanza 36: from $429,000.
Cessna 165: from $150,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Beechcraft Bonanza 36 and Cessna 165?
165 engine: WARNER Super Scarab (145 hp).
Seats: 6 vs 4.
Cruise: 168 vs 110 kts.
Range: 697 vs 500 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Bonanza 36: about $195/hr variable cost.
165: about $180/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?
Bonanza 36: 6 seats / 1,245 lb useful load.
165: 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?
Bonanza 36: 1,700-hour TBO, overhaul ~$35,000.
165: 1,200-hour TBO, overhaul ~$40,000.
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 re-checked on a rolling cycle — most within a few days · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data