Piper Saratoga vs Beechcraft Bonanza 36
The Bonanza 36 and Piper Saratoga are the two classic six-seat single-engine retractables — the Bonanza is the Beechcraft refined option (~175 kt); the Saratoga is the Piper club-cabin family hauler (~150-165 kt).
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Piper Saratoga | Beechcraft Bonanza 36 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $39,900 – $745,000 | $189,000 – $1,395,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 300 HP | 285 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 163 kts (302 km/h) | 168 kts (311 km/h) |
| Range | 950 nm (1,759 km) | 697 nm (1,291 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 20,000 ft (6,096 m) | 18,000 ft (5,486 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,600 lbs (1,633 kg) | 3,400 lbs (1,542 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,360 lbs (617 kg) | — |
| Fuel Capacity | 102.0 gal (386 L) | 74.0 gal (280 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 15.0 GPH (57 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 | $170 | $195 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimatePiper Saratoga
Fuel$82/hr
Variable$170/hr
Annual Fixed$20,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$54,000/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 Saratoga or Beechcraft Bonanza 36?
Bottom line: Choose the Bonanza 36 for higher cruise, refined Beechcraft cabin and stronger residual values. Choose the Saratoga for the larger club-seating cabin, lower acquisition cost and Piper systems familiarity — the practical family aircraft.
Pick the Saratoga if…
- Budget matters — from $39,900 vs $189,000, you save ~$149,100.
- Lower operating cost — ~$170/hr vs $195/hr.
- Longer range — 950 nm vs 697 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1980 vs 1968.
Pick the Bonanza 36 if…
- Faster cruise — 168 kts vs 163 kts.
- More inventory — 192 listings vs 163.
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 Saratoga or Beechcraft Bonanza 36?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Saratoga cruises at 163 kts with 950 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 Saratoga: from $571,445.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Piper Saratoga and Beechcraft Bonanza 36?
Cruise: 163 vs 168 kts.
Range: 950 vs 697 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Saratoga: about $170/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?
Saratoga: 6 seats / 1,360 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?
Saratoga: 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