Beechcraft Baron B55 vs De Havilland DH-84 Dragon
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle
Beechcraft Baron B55
- For sale now
- 41
- Median asking
- $189,000
- Range
- $117,900–$402,000
- Model years available
- 1961–1982
De Havilland DH-84 Dragon
- For sale now
- 2
- Model years available
- 1943–1943
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Beechcraft Baron B55 | De Havilland DH-84 Dragon |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $117,900 – $402,000 | $210,689 |
| Category | Multi Engine Piston | Multi Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 10 |
| Horsepower | 260 HP | 130 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 190 kts (352 km/h) | 95 kts (176 km/h) |
| Range | 990 nm (1,833 km) | 460 nm (852 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 19,500 ft (5,944 m) | 12,500 ft (3,810 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 5,100 lbs (2,313 kg) | — |
| Useful Load | 1,750 lbs (794 kg) | 1,800 lbs (816 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 136.0 gal (515 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 26.0 GPH (98 L/h) | 20.0 GPH (76 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,500 hrs | — |
| Overhaul Cost | $38,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $25,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $280 | — |
| Engines | 2 x Piston | 2 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateBeechcraft Baron B55
Fuel$143/hr
Variable$280/hr
Annual Fixed$25,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$81,000/yr
De Havilland DH-84 Dragon
Fuel$110/hr
Which Should You Buy: Beechcraft Baron B55 or De Havilland DH-84 Dragon?
Pick the Baron B55 if…
- Budget matters — from $117,900 vs $210,689, you save ~$92,789.
- Faster cruise — 190 kts vs 95 kts.
- Longer range — 990 nm vs 460 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1964 vs 1934.
- More inventory — 43 listings vs 1.
Pick the DH-84 Dragon if…
- More seats — 10 vs 6.
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 Baron B55 or De Havilland DH-84 Dragon?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Baron B55 cruises at 190 kts with 990 nm range.
The DH-84 Dragon cruises at 95 kts with 460 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Beechcraft Baron B55: from $129,900.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Beechcraft Baron B55 and De Havilland DH-84 Dragon?
DH-84 Dragon engine: De Havilland Gipsy Maor 1 (130 hp).
Seats: 6 vs 10.
Cruise: 190 vs 95 kts.
Range: 990 vs 460 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Baron B55: about $280/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?
Baron B55: 6 seats / 1,750 lb useful load.
DH-84 Dragon: 10 seats / 1,800 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?
Baron B55: 1,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$38,000.
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