Cirrus SR22 vs Beechcraft Bonanza 36 vs Cessna 182
The Cirrus SR22, Cessna 182 Skylane and Beechcraft Bonanza 36 are three of the most capable piston singles for serious travel — the modern composite SR22 with a parachute, the dependable high-wing 182, and the roomy, prestigious retractable Bonanza. Each carries a family cross-country in its own way. Where each trades now is below.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
- For sale now
- 255
- Median asking
- $369,473
- Range
- $233,400–$867,970
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 149
- Source marketplaces
- 16
- Model years available
- 2001–2025
- For sale now
- 208
- Median asking
- $399,000
- Range
- $229,000–$875,000
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 94
- Source marketplaces
- 17
- Model years available
- 1968–2026
- For sale now
- 489
- Median asking
- $218,897
- Range
- $104,725–$564,768
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 167
- Source marketplaces
- 21
- Model years available
- 1956–2027
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) | Cirrus SR22 | Beechcraft Bonanza 36 | Cessna 182 |
|---|---|---|---|
| All events | 124 | — | 2779 |
| Serious | 8 | — | 249 |
| Fatal | 38 | — | 529 |
| Fatalities | 74 | — | 1000 |
| % Fatal | 31% | — | 19% |
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Cirrus SR22 | Beechcraft Bonanza 36 | Cessna 182 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
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| Price Range | $233,400 – $867,970 | $229,000 – $875,000 | $104,725 – $564,768 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | |||
| Seats | 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 310 HP | 285 HP | 230–235 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 183 kts (339 km/h) | 168 kts (311 km/h) | 140–158 kts (293 km/h) |
| Range | 1,049 nm (1,943 km) | 697 nm (1,291 km) | 640–970 nm (1,796 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 17,500 ft (5,334 m) | 18,000 ft (5,486 m) | 18,100 ft (5,517 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,600 lbs (1,633 kg) | 3,400 lbs (1,542 kg) | 2650–3,100 lbs (1,406 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,183 lbs (537 kg) | — | 1,110 lbs (503 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 92.0 gal (348 L) | 74.0 gal (280 L) | 92.0 gal (348 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 13.5 GPH (51 L/h) | 14.0 GPH (53 L/h) | 12.5 GPH (47 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 1,700 hrs | 1,700 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $36,000 | $35,000 | $32,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $25,000 | $22,000 | $20,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $180 | $195 | $160 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCirrus SR22
Beechcraft Bonanza 36
Cessna 182
Which Should You Buy?
Bottom line: Choose the SR22 for speed and a modern safety net — composite, glass and the CAPS parachute. Choose the 182 Skylane for simple, economical capability — a forgiving high-wing single with great support. Choose the Bonanza 36 for room and pedigree — six seats, a roomy cabin and a respected name, with retractable-gear speed. On safety each answers differently — the SR22 with a parachute, the 182 with a benign fixed-gear record, the Bonanza with a long pedigree and retractable discipline — all proven. Parachute and speed, simple and economical, or room and prestige.
Pick the SR22 if…
- Fastest cruise — 183 kts
- Longest range — 1049 nm
- Newest design — built from 2001
Pick the Bonanza 36 if…
- Most seats — 6
Pick the 182 if…
- Lowest entry price — from $104,725
- Lowest operating cost — about $160/hr
- Most listings for sale — 527
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.