Beechcraft Bonanza A36 vs Cessna A185F
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle
Beechcraft Bonanza A36
- For sale now
- 154
- Median asking
- $357,000
- Range
- $220,725–$582,950
- Model years available
- 1969–2005
Cessna A185F
- For sale now
- 32
- Median asking
- $325,000
- Range
- $219,130–$803,650
- Model years available
- 1973–1985
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 A36 | Cessna A185F |
|---|---|---|
| All events | — | 308 |
| Serious | — | 13 |
| Fatal | — | 45 |
| Fatalities | — | 82 |
| % Fatal | — | 15% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Beechcraft Bonanza A36 | Cessna A185F |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $220,725 – $582,950 | $219,130 – $803,650 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 300 HP | 300 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 169 kts (313 km/h) | 145 kts (269 km/h) |
| Range | 720 nm (1,333 km) | 720 nm (1,333 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 18,500 ft (5,639 m) | 17,150 ft (5,227 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,650 lbs (1,656 kg) | 3,350 lbs (1,520 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,245 lbs (565 kg) | 1,440 lbs (653 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 74.0 gal (280 L) | 74.0 gal (280 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 14.5 GPH (55 L/h) | 15.5 GPH (59 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 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
EstimateBeechcraft Bonanza A36
Fuel$80/hr
Variable$195/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$61,000/yr
Cessna A185F
Fuel$85/hr
Variable$175/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$57,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Beechcraft Bonanza A36 or Cessna A185F?
Pick the Bonanza A36 if…
- Faster cruise — 169 kts vs 145 kts.
- More inventory — 152 listings vs 31.
Pick the A185F if…
- Budget matters — from $219,130 vs $220,725, you save ~$1,595.
- Lower operating cost — ~$175/hr vs $195/hr.
- Newer design — production from 1973 vs 1968.
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 A36 or Cessna A185F?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Bonanza A36 cruises at 169 kts with 720 nm range.
The A185F cruises at 145 kts with 720 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Beechcraft Bonanza A36: from $497,500.
Cessna A185F: from $375,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Beechcraft Bonanza A36 and Cessna A185F?
Bonanza A36 engine: Continental IO-550B (300 hp).
A185F engine: CONTINENTAL IO-520-D (300 hp).
Cruise: 169 vs 145 kts.
Range: 720 vs 720 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Bonanza A36: about $195/hr variable cost.
A185F: 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 A36: 6 seats / 1,245 lb useful load.
A185F: 6 seats / 1,440 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 A36: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$35,000.
A185F: 2,000-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 re-checked on a rolling cycle — most within a few days · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data