Beechcraft Bonanza 36 vs Diamond DA50 RG

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.

Live Market Snapshot

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

Beechcraft Bonanza 36
For sale now
208
Median asking
$399,000
Range
$229,000–$875,000
Model years available
1968–2026
Diamond DA50 RG
For sale now
28
Median asking
$1,159,000
Range
$894,146–$1,409,050
Model years available
2014–2026

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 Bonanza 36 Diamond DA50 RG
Beechcraft Bonanza 36
View 14 listings →
Median $399,000
 Diamond DA50 RG
View 31 listings →
Median $1,159,000
Price Range $229,000 – $875,000 $894,146 – $1,409,050
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 6 5
Horsepower 285 HP 300 HP
Cruise Speed 168 kts (311 km/h) 180 kts (333 km/h)
Range 697 nm (1,291 km) 750 nm (1,389 km)
Service Ceiling 18,000 ft (5,486 m) 20,000 ft (6,096 m)
Max Gross Weight 3,400 lbs (1,542 kg) 3,957 lbs (1,795 kg)
Useful Load 1,245 lbs (565 kg) 1,232 lbs (559 kg)
Fuel Capacity 74.0 gal (280 L) 50.0 gal (189 L)
Fuel Burn 14.0 GPH (53 L/h) 9.0 GPH (34 L/h)
TBO 1,700 hrs 2,000 hrs
Overhaul Cost $35,000 $28,000
Annual Fixed $22,000 $18,000
Hourly Variable $195 $135
Engines 1 x Piston 1 x Diesel

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Beechcraft Bonanza 36

Fuel$77/hr
Variable$195/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $61,000/yr

Diamond DA50 RG

Fuel$50/hr
Variable$135/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $45,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Beechcraft Bonanza 36 or Diamond DA50 RG?

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 Bonanza 36 if…

  • Budget matters — from $229,000 vs $894,146, you save ~$665,146.
  • More seats — 6 vs 5.

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.
  • More inventory — 31 listings vs 14.

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 36 or Diamond DA50 RG?
It depends on your mission and budget. The Bonanza 36 cruises at 168 kts with 697 nm range. The DA50 RG cruises at 180 kts with 750 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Beechcraft Bonanza 36: from $429,000. Diamond DA50 RG: from $1,149,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Beechcraft Bonanza 36 and Diamond DA50 RG?
Seats: 6 vs 5. Cruise: 168 vs 180 kts. Range: 697 vs 750 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Bonanza 36: about $195/hr variable cost. DA50 RG: about $135/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 36: 6 seats / 1,245 lb useful load. DA50 RG: 5 seats / 1,232 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 36: 1,700-hour TBO, overhaul ~$35,000. DA50 RG: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$28,000. 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