Beechcraft Bonanza 33 vs Cessna 182

The Beechcraft Bonanza (33 or 36) and Cessna 182 Skylane are different-class cross-country singles — the Bonanza is the retractable high-performance Beechcraft (~170-176 kt); the 182 is the fixed-gear high-wing hauler (~140 kt).

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily

Beechcraft Bonanza 33
For sale now
79
Median asking
$229,500
Range
$102,600–$471,411
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
30
Source marketplaces
13
Model years available
1948–1994
Cessna 182
For sale now
489
Median asking
$218,897
Range
$104,725–$564,768
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
167
Source marketplaces
21
Model years available
1956–2027

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

Generations Breakdown

Per-generation specs — engine/weight/performance differ materially across production eras.

Per-era “For sale” counts exclude listings with unspecified year and separate variants (RG retractable, Hawk XP), so they may not sum to the total above.

Beechcraft Bonanza 33 — 0 generations

GenerationYearsEngineMTOWCruiseRangeFor sale

Cessna 182 — 4 generations

GenerationYearsEngineMTOWCruiseRangeFor sale
182 Continental (early) 1956–1976 Continental O-470-L/R 2650 140 640 186
182 Continental (late) 1977–1986 Continental O-470-U 3100 142 700 74
T182 Turbo 1981–now Lycoming TIO-540-AK1A 3100 158 970 42
182 Lycoming 1997–now Lycoming IO-540-AB1A5 3100 145 930 134

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 Bonanza 33Cessna 182
All events2779
Serious249
Fatal529
Fatalities1000
% Fatal19%

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Beechcraft Bonanza 33 Cessna 182
Beechcraft Bonanza 33
View 84 listings →
Median $229,500
Cessna 182
View 488 listings →
Median $218,897
Price Range $102,600 – $471,411 $104,725 – $564,768
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 6 4
Horsepower 285 HP 230–235 HP
Cruise Speed 168 kts (311 km/h) 140–158 kts (293 km/h)
Range 920 nm (1,704 km) 640–970 nm (1,796 km)
Service Ceiling 17,858 ft (5,443 m) 18,100 ft (5,517 m)
Max Gross Weight 3,400 lbs (1,542 kg) 2650–3,100 lbs (1,406 kg)
Useful Load 1,134 lbs (514 kg) 1,110 lbs (503 kg)
Fuel Capacity 74.0 gal (280 L) 92.0 gal (348 L)
Fuel Burn 14.5 GPH (55 L/h) 12.5 GPH (47 L/h)
TBO 1,700 hrs
Overhaul Cost $32,000
Annual Fixed $20,000
Hourly Variable $160
Engines 1 x Piston 1 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Beechcraft Bonanza 33

Fuel$80/hr

Cessna 182

Fuel$69/hr
Variable$160/hr
Annual Fixed$20,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $52,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Beechcraft Bonanza 33 or Cessna 182?

Bottom line: Choose the Bonanza for higher cruise, the iconic Beechcraft cabin and high- performance handling. Choose the 182 for fixed-gear simplicity, much larger useful load, high-wing visibility and dramatically lower acquisition and operating cost.

Pick the Bonanza 33 if…

  • Budget matters — from $102,600 vs $104,725, you save ~$2,125.
  • More seats — 6 vs 4.
  • Faster cruise — 168 kts vs 140 kts.
  • Longer range — 920 nm vs 640 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 1960 vs 1956.

Pick the 182 if…

  • More inventory — 488 listings vs 84.

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 33 or Cessna 182?
It depends on your mission and budget. The Bonanza 33 cruises at 168 kts with 920 nm range. The 182 cruises at 140 kts with 640 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Beechcraft Bonanza 33: from $270,000. Cessna 182: from $205,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Beechcraft Bonanza 33 and Cessna 182?
182 engine: Continental (230 hp). Seats: 6 vs 4. Cruise: 168 vs 140 kts. Range: 920 vs 640 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
182: about $160/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 33: 6 seats / 1,134 lb useful load. 182: 4 seats / 1,110 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?
182: 1,700-hour TBO, overhaul ~$32,000. 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