Beechcraft Bonanza vs Mooney 231
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle
Beechcraft Bonanza
- For sale now
- 8
- Model years available
- 1947–1972
Mooney 231
- For sale now
- 58
- Median asking
- $165,000
- Range
- $99,500–$239,720
- Model years available
- 1978–1997
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 Bonanza | Mooney 231 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | — | 3 |
| Serious | — | 0 |
| Fatal | — | 0 |
| Fatalities | — | 0 |
| % Fatal | — | 0% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Beechcraft Bonanza | Mooney 231 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $57,925 – $270,750 | $99,500 – $239,720 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | — |
| Horsepower | 285 HP | 210 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 165 kts (306 km/h) | 191 kts (354 km/h) |
| Range | 700 nm (1,296 km) | 981 nm (1,817 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 18,500 ft (5,639 m) | 24,000 ft (7,315 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | — | 2,900 lbs (1,315 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,100 lbs (499 kg) | 900 lbs (408 kg) |
| Fuel Burn | 14.0 GPH (53 L/h) | 13.3 GPH (50 L/h) |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston (Turbocharged) |
Which Should You Buy: Beechcraft Bonanza or Mooney 231?
Pick the Bonanza if…
- Budget matters — from $57,925 vs $99,500, you save ~$41,575.
Pick the 231 if…
- Faster cruise — 191 kts vs 165 kts.
- Longer range — 981 nm vs 700 nm.
- More inventory — 8 listings vs 1.
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 Mooney 231?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Bonanza cruises at 165 kts with 700 nm range.
The 231 cruises at 191 kts with 981 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Beechcraft Bonanza: from $95,000.
Mooney 231: from $199,900.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Beechcraft Bonanza and Mooney 231?
231 engine: Continental TSIO-360-GB;TSIO-360-LB (210 hp).
Cruise: 165 vs 191 kts.
Range: 700 vs 981 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
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.
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?
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