Beechcraft Bonanza vs Socata TB-20 Trinidad

The TB-20 Trinidad and Beechcraft Bonanza are retractable singles — the Trinidad a comfortable wide-cabin tourer, the Bonanza the speed/quality benchmark.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle

Beechcraft Bonanza
For sale now
8
Model years available
1947–1972
Socata TB-20 Trinidad
For sale now
35
Median asking
$191,764
Range
$129,105–$314,150
Model years available
1984–2003

Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.

Safety Record

Absolute counts scale with fleet size — the most-produced types log more events without being less safe. Compare the % fatal.

NTSB (1982–now)Beechcraft BonanzaSocata TB-20 Trinidad
All events4
Serious0
Fatal3
Fatalities4
% Fatal75%

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Beechcraft BONANZA Socata TB-20 Trinidad
Beechcraft Bonanza
View 3 listings →
Median $103,500
Socata TB-20 Trinidad
View 34 listings →
Median $191,764
Price Range $59,530 – $264,900 $129,105 – $314,150
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 4 5
Horsepower 285 HP 250 HP
Cruise Speed 165 kts (306 km/h) 157 kts (291 km/h)
Range 700 nm (1,296 km) 887 nm (1,643 km)
Service Ceiling 18,500 ft (5,639 m) 20,000 ft (6,096 m)
Max Gross Weight 3,086 lbs (1,400 kg)
Useful Load 1,100 lbs (499 kg) 1,076 lbs (488 kg)
Fuel Capacity 86.0 gal (326 L)
Fuel Burn 14.0 GPH (53 L/h) 15.0 GPH (57 L/h)
TBO 2,000 hrs
Overhaul Cost $30,000
Annual Fixed $18,000
Hourly Variable $150
Engines 1 x Piston 1 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Beechcraft BONANZA

Fuel$77/hr

Socata TB-20 Trinidad

Fuel$82/hr
Variable$150/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $48,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Beechcraft Bonanza or Socata TB-20 Trinidad?

Bottom line: Choose the Bonanza for higher speed and resale; choose the Trinidad for a roomy cabin and lower acquisition cost. Bonanza = speed/resale; Trinidad = cabin/value.

Pick the Bonanza if…

  • Budget matters — from $59,530 vs $129,105, you save ~$69,575.
  • Faster cruise — 165 kts vs 157 kts.

Pick the TB-20 Trinidad if…

  • More seats — 5 vs 4.
  • Longer range — 887 nm vs 700 nm.
  • More inventory — 34 listings vs 3.

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Beechcraft BONANZA or Socata TB-20 Trinidad?
It depends on your mission and budget. The BONANZA cruises at 165 kts with 700 nm range. The TB-20 Trinidad cruises at 157 kts with 887 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Socata TB-20 Trinidad: from $198,500. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Beechcraft Bonanza and Socata TB-20 Trinidad?
Seats: 4 vs 5. Cruise: 165 vs 157 kts. Range: 700 vs 887 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
TB-20 Trinidad: about $150/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?
Bonanza: 4 seats / 1,100 lb useful load. TB-20 Trinidad: 5 seats / 1,076 lb useful load. 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?
TB-20 Trinidad: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$30,000. 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 re-checked on a rolling cycle — most within a few days · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data