Cessna 210 vs Beechcraft Bonanza 36
The Beechcraft Bonanza 36 and Cessna 210 Centurion are both top-tier six-seat singles built for serious travel. The low-wing A36 Bonanza is prized for handling, craftsmanship, and a wide club cabin, while the high-wing 210 hauls big loads with great visibility and strong speed. This is the premium low-wing against the high-wing payload king.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna 210 | Beechcraft Bonanza 36 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
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| Price Range | $25,000 – $975,000 | $189,000 – $1,395,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 300 HP | 285 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 164 kts (304 km/h) | 168 kts (311 km/h) |
| Range | 900 nm (1,667 km) | 697 nm (1,291 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 17,300 ft (5,273 m) | 18,000 ft (5,486 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,800 lbs (1,724 kg) | 3,400 lbs (1,542 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,310 lbs (594 kg) | — |
| Fuel Capacity | 90.0 gal (341 L) | 74.0 gal (280 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 14.5 GPH (55 L/h) | 14.0 GPH (53 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,500 hrs | 1,700 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $35,000 | $35,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $22,000 | $22,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $175 | $195 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 210
Fuel$80/hr
Variable$175/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$57,000/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 210 or Beechcraft Bonanza 36?
Bottom line: Choose the Bonanza 36 for sweeter handling, a premium feel, and strong resale; pick the 210 for maximum payload, cabin room, and high-wing utility. Both demand diligent retractable-gear maintenance, so logs and a thorough pre-buy matter more than the badge.
Pick the 210 if…
- Budget matters — from $25,000 vs $189,000, you save ~$164,000.
- Lower operating cost — ~$175/hr vs $195/hr.
- Longer range — 900 nm vs 697 nm.
Pick the Bonanza 36 if…
- Faster cruise — 168 kts vs 164 kts.
- Newer design — production from 1968 vs 1960.
- More inventory — 203 listings vs 175.
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 210 or Beechcraft Bonanza 36?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 210 cruises at 164 kts with 900 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 210: from $254,900.
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 210 and Beechcraft Bonanza 36?
210 engine: Continental IO-470-E (300 hp).
Cruise: 164 vs 168 kts.
Range: 900 vs 697 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
210: about $175/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?
210: 6 seats / 1,310 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?
210: 1,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$35,000.
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