Cessna A185F vs Beechcraft Bonanza 36
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Cessna A185F
- For sale now
- 27
- Median asking
- $305,000
- Range
- $195,225–$448,725
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 14
- Source marketplaces
- 7
- Model years available
- 1973–1985
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 A185F | Beechcraft Bonanza 36 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 308 | — |
| Serious | 13 | — |
| Fatal | 45 | — |
| Fatalities | 82 | — |
| % Fatal | 15% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna A185F | Beechcraft Bonanza 36 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $195,225 – $448,725 | $229,000 – $875,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 300 HP | 285 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 145 kts (269 km/h) | 168 kts (311 km/h) |
| Range | 720 nm (1,333 km) | 697 nm (1,291 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 18,000 ft (5,486 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,350 lbs (1,520 kg) | 3,400 lbs (1,542 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,440 lbs (653 kg) | — |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 74.0 gal (280 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 15.5 GPH (59 L/h) | 14.0 GPH (53 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 1,700 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $35,000 | $35,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $22,000 | $22,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $175 | $195 |
| Engines | 1 x Reciprocating | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna A185F
Fuel$85/hr
Variable$175/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$57,000/yr
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 A185F or Beechcraft Bonanza 36?
Pick the A185F if…
- Budget matters — from $195,225 vs $229,000, you save ~$33,775.
- Lower operating cost — ~$175/hr vs $195/hr.
- Longer range — 720 nm vs 697 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1973 vs 1968.
Pick the Bonanza 36 if…
- Faster cruise — 168 kts vs 145 kts.
- More inventory — 210 listings vs 26.
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 A185F or Beechcraft Bonanza 36?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The A185F cruises at 145 kts with 720 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 A185F: from $219,900.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna A185F and Beechcraft Bonanza 36?
A185F engine: Continental IO-520-D (300 hp).
Cruise: 145 vs 168 kts.
Range: 720 vs 697 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
A185F: about $175/hr variable cost.
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?
A185F: 6 seats / 1,440 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?
A185F: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$35,000.
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