Piper Malibu vs Beechcraft Bonanza 36
The Piper Malibu PA-46 (six-seat pressurised, ~213-240 kt depending on variant) and Beechcraft Bonanza 36 (six-seat unpressurised, ~175 kt) are different-class aircraft — the Malibu adds pressurisation and significantly higher cruise.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Piper Malibu | Beechcraft Bonanza 36 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $221,274 – $4,582,731 | $189,000 – $1,395,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 310 HP | 285 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 198 kts (367 km/h) | 168 kts (311 km/h) |
| Range | 1,300 nm (2,408 km) | 697 nm (1,291 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 25,000 ft (7,620 m) | 18,000 ft (5,486 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 4,100 lbs (1,860 kg) | 3,400 lbs (1,542 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,200 lbs (544 kg) | — |
| Fuel Capacity | 120.0 gal (454 L) | 74.0 gal (280 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 16.0 GPH (61 L/h) | 14.0 GPH (53 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 1,700 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $35,000 | $35,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $22,000 | $22,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $190 | $195 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston (Turbocharged) | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimatePiper Malibu
Fuel$88/hr
Variable$190/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$60,000/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 Malibu or Beechcraft Bonanza 36?
Bottom line: Choose the Malibu/M-series when you need pressurisation and ~40+ kt more cruise. Choose the Bonanza 36 for materially lower acquisition cost, unpressurised six-seat operations and the iconic Beechcraft cabin.
Pick the Malibu if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$190/hr vs $195/hr.
- Faster cruise — 198 kts vs 168 kts.
- Longer range — 1300 nm vs 697 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1984 vs 1968.
- More inventory — 313 listings vs 232.
Pick the Bonanza 36 if…
- Budget matters — from $189,000 vs $221,274, you save ~$32,274.
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 Malibu or Beechcraft Bonanza 36?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Malibu cruises at 198 kts with 1,300 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 Malibu: from $221,274.
Beechcraft Bonanza 36: from $448,372.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Piper Malibu and Beechcraft Bonanza 36?
Cruise: 198 vs 168 kts.
Range: 1300 vs 697 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Malibu: about $190/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?
Malibu: 6 seats / 1,200 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?
Malibu: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$35,000.
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