Piper Cherokee Six vs Beechcraft Bonanza 36
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Piper Cherokee Six | Beechcraft Bonanza 36 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $79,000 – $495,000 | $189,000 – $1,395,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 7 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 300 HP | 285 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 145 kts (269 km/h) | 168 kts (311 km/h) |
| Range | 800 nm (1,482 km) | 697 nm (1,291 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 16,250 ft (4,953 m) | 18,000 ft (5,486 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,400 lbs (1,542 kg) | 3,400 lbs (1,542 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,510 lbs (685 kg) | — |
| Fuel Capacity | 84.0 gal (318 L) | 74.0 gal (280 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 14.0 GPH (53 L/h) | 14.0 GPH (53 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 1,700 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $32,000 | $35,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $20,000 | $22,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $150 | $195 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimatePiper Cherokee Six
Fuel$77/hr
Variable$150/hr
Annual Fixed$20,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$50,000/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: Piper Cherokee Six or Beechcraft Bonanza 36?
Pick the Cherokee Six if…
- Budget matters — from $79,000 vs $189,000, you save ~$110,000.
- Lower operating cost — ~$150/hr vs $195/hr.
- More seats — 7 vs 6.
- Longer range — 800 nm vs 697 nm.
Pick the Bonanza 36 if…
- Faster cruise — 168 kts vs 145 kts.
- Newer design — production from 1968 vs 1965.
- More inventory — 214 listings vs 48.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Piper Cherokee Six or Beechcraft Bonanza 36?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Cherokee Six cruises at 145 kts with 800 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?
Piper Cherokee Six: from $244,900.
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 Piper Cherokee Six and Beechcraft Bonanza 36?
Seats: 7 vs 6.
Cruise: 145 vs 168 kts.
Range: 800 vs 697 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Cherokee Six: about $150/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?
Cherokee Six: 7 seats / 1,510 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?
Cherokee Six: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$32,000.
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