Beechcraft Bonanza A36 vs Piper Seneca
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Beechcraft Bonanza A36
- For sale now
- 134
- Median asking
- $349,000
- Range
- $227,600–$586,325
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 59
- Source marketplaces
- 12
- Model years available
- 1969–2005
Piper Seneca
- For sale now
- 111
- Median asking
- $227,990
- Range
- $89,465–$640,128
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 39
- Source marketplaces
- 11
- Model years available
- 1967–2023
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 A36 | Piper Seneca |
|---|---|---|
| All events | — | 2 |
| Serious | — | 0 |
| Fatal | — | 0 |
| Fatalities | — | 0 |
| % Fatal | — | 0% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Beechcraft Bonanza A36 | Piper Seneca |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $227,600 – $586,325 | $89,465 – $640,128 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Multi Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 300 HP | — |
| Cruise Speed | 169 kts (313 km/h) | 180 kts (333 km/h) |
| Range | 720 nm (1,333 km) | 750 nm (1,389 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 18,500 ft (5,639 m) | 25,000 ft (7,620 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,650 lbs (1,656 kg) | 4,750 lbs (2,155 kg) |
| Useful Load | — | 1,590 lbs (721 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 74.0 gal (280 L) | 123.0 gal (466 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 14.5 GPH (55 L/h) | 22.0 GPH (83 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 1,800 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $35,000 | $40,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $22,000 | $25,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $195 | $280 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 2 x Piston (Turbocharged) |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateBeechcraft Bonanza A36
Fuel$80/hr
Variable$195/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$61,000/yr
Piper Seneca
Fuel$121/hr
Variable$280/hr
Annual Fixed$25,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$81,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Beechcraft Bonanza A36 or Piper Seneca?
Pick the Bonanza A36 if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$195/hr vs $280/hr.
- More inventory — 136 listings vs 107.
Pick the Seneca if…
- Budget matters — from $89,465 vs $227,600, you save ~$138,135.
- Faster cruise — 180 kts vs 169 kts.
- Longer range — 750 nm vs 720 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1972 vs 1970.
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 A36 or Piper Seneca?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Bonanza A36 cruises at 169 kts with 720 nm range.
The Seneca cruises at 180 kts with 750 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Beechcraft Bonanza A36: from $360,000.
Piper Seneca: from $60,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Beechcraft Bonanza A36 and Piper Seneca?
Bonanza A36 engine: Continental IO-550B (300 hp).
Cruise: 169 vs 180 kts.
Range: 720 vs 750 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Bonanza A36: about $195/hr variable cost.
Seneca: about $280/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 A36: 6 seats.
Seneca: 6 seats / 1,590 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?
Bonanza A36: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$35,000.
Seneca: 1,800-hour TBO, overhaul ~$40,000.
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