Cessna 170 vs Beechcraft Bonanza 36
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna 170 | Beechcraft Bonanza 36 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $33,269 – $359,000 | $189,000 – $1,395,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 145 HP | 285 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 105 kts (194 km/h) | 168 kts (311 km/h) |
| Range | 500 nm (926 km) | 697 nm (1,291 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 18,000 ft (5,486 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 12,500 lbs (5,670 kg) | 3,400 lbs (1,542 kg) |
| Useful Load | 900 lbs (408 kg) | — |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 74.0 gal (280 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 9.0 GPH (34 L/h) | 14.0 GPH (53 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 1,700 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $30,000 | $35,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $18,000 | $22,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $130 | $195 |
| Engines | 1 x Reciprocating | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 170
Fuel$50/hr
Variable$130/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$44,000/yr
Beechcraft Bonanza 36
Fuel$77/hr
Variable$195/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$61,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 170 or Beechcraft Bonanza 36?
Pick the 170 if…
- Budget matters — from $33,269 vs $189,000, you save ~$155,731.
- Lower operating cost — ~$130/hr vs $195/hr.
Pick the Bonanza 36 if…
- More seats — 6 vs 4.
- Faster cruise — 168 kts vs 105 kts.
- Longer range — 697 nm vs 500 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1968 vs 1948.
- More inventory — 198 listings vs 16.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Cessna 170 or Beechcraft Bonanza 36?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 170 cruises at 105 kts with 500 nm range.
The Bonanza 36 cruises at 168 kts with 697 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 170: from $159,000.
Beechcraft Bonanza 36: from $448,372.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 170 and Beechcraft Bonanza 36?
170 engine: Continental C145-2 (145 hp).
Seats: 4 vs 6.
Cruise: 105 vs 168 kts.
Range: 500 vs 697 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
170: about $130/hr variable cost.
Bonanza 36: about $195/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?
170: 4 seats / 900 lb useful load.
Bonanza 36: 6 seats.
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?
170: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$30,000.
Bonanza 36: 1,700-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