Beechcraft Bonanza 33 vs Cirrus SR22

The Cirrus SR22 (composite four-seater, ~180-185 kt, CAPS parachute, Garmin Perspective+) and Beechcraft Bonanza (V35/F33/A36 — aluminium retractable, ~170-176 kt, no chute) are direct high-performance single competitors — different philosophies but overlapping missions.

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
Cirrus SR22
For sale now
255
Median asking
$369,473
Range
$233,400–$867,970
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
149
Source marketplaces
16
Model years available
2001–2025

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 Bonanza 33Cirrus SR22
All events124
Serious8
Fatal38
Fatalities74
% Fatal31%

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Beechcraft Bonanza 33 Cirrus SR22
Beechcraft Bonanza 33
View 84 listings →
Median $229,500
Cirrus SR22
View 251 listings →
Median $369,473
Price Range $102,600 – $471,411 $233,400 – $867,970
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 6 5
Horsepower 285 HP 310 HP
Cruise Speed 168 kts (311 km/h) 183 kts (339 km/h)
Range 920 nm (1,704 km) 1,049 nm (1,943 km)
Service Ceiling 17,858 ft (5,443 m) 17,500 ft (5,334 m)
Max Gross Weight 3,400 lbs (1,542 kg) 3,600 lbs (1,633 kg)
Useful Load 1,134 lbs (514 kg) 1,183 lbs (537 kg)
Fuel Capacity 74.0 gal (280 L) 92.0 gal (348 L)
Fuel Burn 14.5 GPH (55 L/h) 13.5 GPH (51 L/h)
TBO 2,000 hrs
Overhaul Cost $36,000
Annual Fixed $25,000
Hourly Variable $180
Engines 1 x Piston 1 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Beechcraft Bonanza 33

Fuel$80/hr

Cirrus SR22

Fuel$74/hr
Variable$180/hr
Annual Fixed$25,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $61,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Beechcraft Bonanza 33 or Cirrus SR22?

Bottom line: Choose the SR22 for the CAPS whole-airframe parachute, Garmin Perspective+ cockpit, the largest active high-performance single dealer network and fixed-gear simplicity. Choose the Bonanza for the classic Beechcraft cabin, six-seat capability (A36), retractable-gear efficiency and a build quality that has aged extraordinarily well — but accept older systems and retractable- gear maintenance.

Pick the Bonanza 33 if…

  • Budget matters — from $102,600 vs $233,400, you save ~$130,800.
  • More seats — 6 vs 5.

Pick the SR22 if…

  • Faster cruise — 183 kts vs 168 kts.
  • Longer range — 1049 nm vs 920 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 2001 vs 1960.
  • More inventory — 251 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 Cirrus SR22?
It depends on your mission and budget. The Bonanza 33 cruises at 168 kts with 920 nm range. The SR22 cruises at 183 kts with 1,049 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Beechcraft Bonanza 33: from $270,000. Cirrus SR22: from $649,900. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Beechcraft Bonanza 33 and Cirrus SR22?
SR22 engine: Continental IO-550-N (310 hp). Seats: 6 vs 5. Cruise: 168 vs 183 kts. Range: 920 vs 1049 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
SR22: about $180/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. SR22: 5 seats / 1,183 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?
SR22: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$36,000. 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