Mooney M20J vs Beechcraft Bonanza 36
The Beechcraft Bonanza 36 (six-seat retractable, 175 kt) and Mooney M20J (four-seat retractable, 160 kt) are different-class aircraft — the Bonanza is the larger, faster, more capable machine; the M20J is the efficient four-seat alternative.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Mooney M20J | Beechcraft Bonanza 36 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $59,384 – $266,441 | $189,000 – $1,395,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 200 HP | 285 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 161 kts (298 km/h) | 168 kts (311 km/h) |
| Range | 820 nm (1,519 km) | 697 nm (1,291 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 18,800 ft (5,730 m) | 18,000 ft (5,486 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,740 lbs (1,243 kg) | 3,400 lbs (1,542 kg) |
| Useful Load | 900 lbs (408 kg) | — |
| Fuel Capacity | 64.0 gal (242 L) | 74.0 gal (280 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 10.0 GPH (38 L/h) | 14.0 GPH (53 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 1,700 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $30,000 | $35,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $18,000 | $22,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $140 | $195 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateMooney M20J
Fuel$55/hr
Variable$140/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$46,000/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: Mooney M20J or Beechcraft Bonanza 36?
Bottom line: Choose the Bonanza 36 when you need six seats, more useful load and the iconic Beechcraft cabin and support. Choose the M20J for cross-country efficiency at a fraction of Bonanza operating cost — when four seats are enough.
Pick the M20J if…
- Budget matters — from $59,384 vs $189,000, you save ~$129,616.
- Lower operating cost — ~$140/hr vs $195/hr.
- Longer range — 820 nm vs 697 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1977 vs 1968.
Pick the Bonanza 36 if…
- More seats — 6 vs 4.
- Faster cruise — 168 kts vs 161 kts.
- More inventory — 192 listings vs 53.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Mooney M20J or Beechcraft Bonanza 36?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The M20J cruises at 161 kts with 820 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?
Mooney M20J: from $159,900.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Mooney M20J and Beechcraft Bonanza 36?
M20J engine: Lycoming O-320 (200 hp).
Seats: 4 vs 6.
Cruise: 161 vs 168 kts.
Range: 820 vs 697 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
M20J: about $140/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?
M20J: 4 seats / 900 lb useful load.
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?
M20J: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$30,000.
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