Cessna 120 vs Beechcraft Bonanza
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Cessna 120
- For sale now
- 4
- Source marketplaces
- 2
- Model years available
- 1946–1948
Beechcraft Bonanza
- For sale now
- 5
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 2
- Source marketplaces
- 3
- Model years available
- 1947–1972
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) | Cessna 120 | Beechcraft Bonanza |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 163 | — |
| Serious | 15 | — |
| Fatal | 12 | — |
| Fatalities | 19 | — |
| % Fatal | 7% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna 120 | Beechcraft Bonanza |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $20,900 – $43,053 | $56,320 – $270,500 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 1 | — |
| Horsepower | 85 HP | — |
| Cruise Speed | 90 kts (167 km/h) | — |
| Range | 400 nm (741 km) | — |
| Useful Load | 500 lbs (227 kg) | — |
| TBO | 1,800 hrs | — |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | — |
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 120 or Beechcraft Bonanza?
Pick the 120 if…
- Budget matters — from $20,900 vs $56,320, you save ~$35,420.
- More inventory — 4 listings vs 1.
Pick the Bonanza if…
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Cessna 120 or Beechcraft Bonanza?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 120 cruises at 90 kts with 400 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 120: from $34,500.
Beechcraft Bonanza: from $95,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 120 and Beechcraft Bonanza?
120 engine: Continental;Lycoming C-85-12;C-85-12F;C-90-12F;C-90-14F;O-235-C1 (85 hp).
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
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?
120: 1 seats / 500 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?
120: 1,800-hour TBO.
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