Diamond DA50 RG vs Beechcraft Bonanza 36
The Diamond DA50 RG (five-seat single Austro AE330 diesel retractable, ~181 kt) and Bonanza 36 (six-seat Continental piston retractable, ~175 kt) are direct competitors — different propulsion (diesel vs Avgas) and different cabin sizes.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Diamond DA50 RG | Beechcraft Bonanza 36 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
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| Price Range | $737,764 – $1,499,500 | $189,000 – $1,395,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 5 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 300 HP | 285 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 180 kts (333 km/h) | 168 kts (311 km/h) |
| Range | 750 nm (1,389 km) | 697 nm (1,291 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 20,000 ft (6,096 m) | 18,000 ft (5,486 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,957 lbs (1,795 kg) | 3,400 lbs (1,542 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 50.0 gal (189 L) | 74.0 gal (280 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 9.0 GPH (34 L/h) | 14.0 GPH (53 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 1,700 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $28,000 | $35,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $18,000 | $22,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $135 | $195 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateDiamond DA50 RG
Fuel$50/hr
Variable$135/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$45,000/yr
Beechcraft Bonanza 36
Fuel$77/hr
Variable$195/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$61,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Diamond DA50 RG or Beechcraft Bonanza 36?
Bottom line: Choose the DA50 RG for Jet-A diesel economics, modern composite construction and Garmin G1000 NXi. Choose the Bonanza 36 for six seats, the iconic Beechcraft cabin and the much larger active support network.
Pick the DA50 RG if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$135/hr vs $195/hr.
- Faster cruise — 180 kts vs 168 kts.
- Longer range — 750 nm vs 697 nm.
- Newer design — production from 2020 vs 1968.
Pick the Bonanza 36 if…
- Budget matters — from $189,000 vs $737,764, you save ~$548,764.
- More seats — 6 vs 5.
- More inventory — 231 listings vs 40.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Diamond DA50 RG or Beechcraft Bonanza 36?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The DA50 RG cruises at 180 kts with 750 nm range.
The Bonanza 36 cruises at 168 kts with 697 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Diamond DA50 RG: from $999,000.
Beechcraft Bonanza 36: from $463,958.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Diamond DA50 RG and Beechcraft Bonanza 36?
Seats: 5 vs 6.
Cruise: 180 vs 168 kts.
Range: 750 vs 697 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
DA50 RG: about $135/hr variable cost.
Bonanza 36: about $195/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?
DA50 RG: 5 seats.
Bonanza 36: 6 seats.
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?
DA50 RG: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$28,000.
Bonanza 36: 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