Beechcraft Bonanza vs Cirrus SR22

The Cirrus SR22 (composite four-seater, ~180-185 kt, CAPS parachute, Garmin Perspective+) and Beechcraft Bonanza (V35/F33/A36 — aluminium retractable, ~170-176 kt, no chute) are direct high-performance single competitors — different philosophies but overlapping missions.

Live Market Snapshot

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

Beechcraft Bonanza
For sale now
5
Model years available
1947–1972
Cirrus SR22
For sale now
255
Median asking
$369,473
Range
$233,400–$867,970
Model years available
2001–2025

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 BonanzaCirrus SR22
All events124
Serious8
Fatal38
Fatalities74
% Fatal31%

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Beechcraft BONANZA Cirrus SR22
Beechcraft Bonanza
View 3 listings →
Median $95,000
Cirrus SR22
View 249 listings →
Median $369,473
Price Range $56,320 – $270,500 $233,400 – $867,970
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 4 5
Horsepower 285 HP 310 HP
Cruise Speed 165 kts (306 km/h) 183 kts (339 km/h)
Range 700 nm (1,296 km) 1,049 nm (1,943 km)
Service Ceiling 18,500 ft (5,639 m) 17,500 ft (5,334 m)
Max Gross Weight 3,600 lbs (1,633 kg)
Useful Load 1,100 lbs (499 kg) 1,183 lbs (537 kg)
Fuel Capacity 92.0 gal (348 L)
Fuel Burn 14.0 GPH (53 L/h) 13.5 GPH (51 L/h)
TBO 2,000 hrs
Overhaul Cost $36,000
Annual Fixed $25,000
Hourly Variable $180
Engines 1 x Piston 1 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Beechcraft BONANZA

Fuel$77/hr

Cirrus SR22

Fuel$74/hr
Variable$180/hr
Annual Fixed$25,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $61,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Beechcraft Bonanza or Cirrus SR22?

Bottom line: Choose the SR22 for the CAPS whole-airframe parachute, Garmin Perspective+ cockpit, the largest active high-performance single dealer network and fixed-gear simplicity. Choose the Bonanza for the classic Beechcraft cabin, six-seat capability (A36), retractable-gear efficiency and a build quality that has aged extraordinarily well — but accept older systems and retractable- gear maintenance.

Pick the Bonanza if…

  • Budget matters — from $56,320 vs $233,400, you save ~$177,080.

Pick the SR22 if…

  • More seats — 5 vs 4.
  • Faster cruise — 183 kts vs 165 kts.
  • Longer range — 1049 nm vs 700 nm.
  • More inventory — 249 listings vs 3.

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 or Cirrus SR22?
It depends on your mission and budget. The BONANZA cruises at 165 kts with 700 nm range. The SR22 cruises at 183 kts with 1,049 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cirrus SR22: from $284,900. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Beechcraft Bonanza and Cirrus SR22?
SR22 engine: Continental IO-550-N (310 hp). Seats: 4 vs 5. Cruise: 165 vs 183 kts. Range: 700 vs 1049 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
SR22: 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: 4 seats / 1,100 lb useful load. SR22: 5 seats / 1,183 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?
SR22: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$36,000. 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