Piper Meridian vs Beechcraft Bonanza 36
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Piper Meridian | Beechcraft Bonanza 36 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $738,946 – $2,613,432 | $189,000 – $1,395,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Turboprop | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 6 |
| Horsepower | — | 285 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 241 kts (446 km/h) | 168 kts (311 km/h) |
| Range | 1,000 nm (1,852 km) | 697 nm (1,291 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 30,000 ft (9,144 m) | 18,000 ft (5,486 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 5,092 lbs (2,310 kg) | 3,400 lbs (1,542 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,362 lbs (618 kg) | — |
| Fuel Capacity | 170.0 gal (643 L) | 74.0 gal (280 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 35.0 GPH (132 L/h) | 14.0 GPH (53 L/h) |
| TBO | 3,500 hrs | 1,700 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $300,000 | $35,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $100,000 | $22,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $650 | $195 |
| Engines | 1 x Turboprop | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimatePiper Meridian
Fuel$192/hr
Variable$650/hr
Annual Fixed$100,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$230,000/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 Meridian or Beechcraft Bonanza 36?
Pick the Meridian if…
- Faster cruise — 241 kts vs 168 kts.
- Longer range — 1000 nm vs 697 nm.
- Newer design — production from 2000 vs 1968.
Pick the Bonanza 36 if…
- Budget matters — from $189,000 vs $738,946, you save ~$549,946.
- Lower operating cost — ~$195/hr vs $650/hr.
- More inventory — 213 listings vs 109.
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 Meridian or Beechcraft Bonanza 36?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Meridian cruises at 241 kts with 1,000 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?
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 Meridian and Beechcraft Bonanza 36?
Cruise: 241 vs 168 kts.
Range: 1000 vs 697 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Meridian: about $650/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?
Meridian: 6 seats / 1,362 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?
Meridian: 3,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$300,000.
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