Beechcraft Bonanza 36 vs Cessna 210

The Cessna 210 Centurion and the Beechcraft Bonanza 36 are two retractable-gear, six-seat high-performance singles — the high-wing 210 and the low-wing Bonanza 36. The 210 offers high-wing visibility and a big useful load; the Bonanza 36 brings a roomy cabin and Beechcraft pedigree. Where each trades now is below.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily

Beechcraft Bonanza 36
For sale now
208
Median asking
$399,000
Range
$229,000–$875,000
Model years available
1968–2026
Cessna 210
For sale now
177
Median asking
$249,750
Range
$90,200–$695,000
Model years available
1960–2021

Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.

Generations Breakdown

Per-generation specs — engine/weight/performance differ materially across production eras.

Per-era “For sale” counts exclude listings with unspecified year and separate variants (RG retractable, Hawk XP), so they may not sum to the total above.

Beechcraft Bonanza 36 — 0 generations

GenerationYearsEngineMTOWCruiseRangeFor sale

Cessna 210 — 4 generations

GenerationYearsEngineMTOWCruiseRangeFor sale
210 IO-470 (260hp) 1960–1963 IO-470-E 2900 160 700 29
210 IO-520 (NA) 1964–1986 IO-520-A/L 3800 171 900 47
T210 Turbo 1966–1986 TSIO-520-R 3800 193 950 58
P210 Pressurized 1978–1986 TSIO-520-P 4000 200 1000 57

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 36Cessna 210
All events819
Serious64
Fatal192
Fatalities413
% Fatal23%

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Beechcraft Bonanza 36 Cessna 210
Beechcraft Bonanza 36
View 14 listings →
Median $399,000
Cessna 210
View 28 listings →
Median $249,750
Price Range $229,000 – $875,000 $90,200 – $695,000
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 6 6
Horsepower 285 HP 260–325 HP
Cruise Speed 168 kts (311 km/h) 160–200 kts (370 km/h)
Range 697 nm (1,291 km) 700–1,000 nm (1,852 km)
Service Ceiling 18,000 ft (5,486 m) 17,300 ft (5,273 m)
Max Gross Weight 3,400 lbs (1,542 kg) 2900–4,000 lbs (1,814 kg)
Useful Load 1,245 lbs (565 kg) 1,310 lbs (594 kg)
Fuel Capacity 74.0 gal (280 L) 90.0 gal (341 L)
Fuel Burn 14.0 GPH (53 L/h) 14.5 GPH (55 L/h)
TBO 1,700 hrs 1,700 hrs
Overhaul Cost $35,000 $35,000
Annual Fixed $22,000 $22,000
Hourly Variable $195 $175
Engines 1 x Piston 1 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Beechcraft Bonanza 36

Fuel$77/hr
Variable$195/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $61,000/yr

Cessna 210

Fuel$80/hr
Variable$175/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $57,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Beechcraft Bonanza 36 or Cessna 210?

Bottom line: Choose the 210 Centurion for high-wing capability — great downward visibility, a strong useful load and retractable-gear speed in a six-seat single. Choose the Bonanza 36 for a refined low-wing six-seater — a roomy cabin, a wide double door and one of the most respected names in aviation. On safety both are retractable singles that reward gear discipline and currency; the choice is wing layout and feel, not safety. High-wing hauler, or low-wing thoroughbred.

Pick the Bonanza 36 if…

  • Faster cruise — 168 kts vs 160 kts.
  • Newer design — production from 1968 vs 1960.

Pick the 210 if…

  • Budget matters — from $90,200 vs $229,000, you save ~$138,800.
  • Lower operating cost — ~$175/hr vs $195/hr.
  • Longer range — 700 nm vs 697 nm.
  • More inventory — 28 listings vs 14.

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between the Cessna 210 and Bonanza 36?
Both are six-seat retractable high-performance singles — the 210 high-wing with great visibility and load, the Bonanza 36 low-wing with a roomy cabin and pedigree. They differ in wing layout and feel.
Which has better visibility?
The 210 — its high wing gives excellent downward visibility. The Bonanza's low wing offers a different sight picture and a planted feel.
Which has the nicer cabin?
The Bonanza 36 — a roomy cabin with a wide double door and refined finish. The 210's cabin is capable and carries a strong load.
Which is better, Beechcraft Bonanza 36 or Cessna 210?
It depends on your mission and budget. The Bonanza 36 cruises at 168 kts with 697 nm range. The 210 cruises at 160 kts with 700 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 210: from $159,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Beechcraft Bonanza 36 and Cessna 210?
210 engine: CONTINENTAL IO-470-E (260 hp). Cruise: 168 vs 160 kts. Range: 697 vs 700 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Bonanza 36: about $195/hr variable cost. 210: about $175/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. 210: 6 seats / 1,310 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. 210: 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