Cessna 205 vs Beechcraft Bonanza 36
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Cessna 205
- For sale now
- 6
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 1
- Source marketplaces
- 3
- Model years available
- 1962–1963
Beechcraft Bonanza 36
- For sale now
- 208
- Median asking
- $399,000
- Range
- $229,000–$875,000
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 94
- Source marketplaces
- 17
- Model years available
- 1968–2026
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 205 | Beechcraft Bonanza 36 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 44 | — |
| Serious | 3 | — |
| Fatal | 12 | — |
| Fatalities | 44 | — |
| % Fatal | 27% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna 205 | Beechcraft Bonanza 36 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $145,750 – $234,900 | $229,000 – $875,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 260 HP | 285 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 140 kts (259 km/h) | 168 kts (311 km/h) |
| Range | 700 nm (1,296 km) | 697 nm (1,291 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 18,000 ft (5,486 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,300 lbs (1,497 kg) | 3,400 lbs (1,542 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,400 lbs (635 kg) | — |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 74.0 gal (280 L) |
| Fuel Burn | — | 14.0 GPH (53 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,500 hrs | 1,700 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $35,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $22,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $195 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 205
Beechcraft Bonanza 36
Fuel$77/hr
Variable$195/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$61,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 205 or Beechcraft Bonanza 36?
Pick the 205 if…
- Budget matters — from $145,750 vs $229,000, you save ~$83,250.
- Longer range — 700 nm vs 697 nm.
Pick the Bonanza 36 if…
- Faster cruise — 168 kts vs 140 kts.
- Newer design — production from 1968 vs 1963.
- More inventory — 210 listings vs 6.
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 205 or Beechcraft Bonanza 36?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 205 cruises at 140 kts with 700 nm range.
The Bonanza 36 cruises at 168 kts with 697 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 205: from $189,900.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 205 and Beechcraft Bonanza 36?
205 engine: Continental O-470-S (260 hp).
Cruise: 140 vs 168 kts.
Range: 700 vs 697 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Bonanza 36: about $195/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?
205: 6 seats / 1,400 lb useful load.
Bonanza 36: 6 seats.
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?
205: 1,500-hour TBO.
Bonanza 36: 1,700-hour TBO, overhaul ~$35,000.
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