Cirrus SR22 vs Beechcraft Bonanza

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

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
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)Cirrus SR22Beechcraft Bonanza
All events124
Serious8
Fatal38
Fatalities74
% Fatal31%

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Cirrus SR22 Beechcraft Bonanza
Cirrus SR22
View 251 listings →
Median $369,473
Beechcraft Bonanza
View 1 listings →
Median $95,000
Price Range $233,400 – $867,970 $56,320 – $270,500
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 5
Horsepower 310 HP
Cruise Speed 183 kts (339 km/h)
Range 1,049 nm (1,943 km)
Service Ceiling 17,500 ft (5,334 m)
Max Gross Weight 3,600 lbs (1,633 kg)
Useful Load 1,183 lbs (537 kg)
Fuel Capacity 92.0 gal (348 L)
Fuel Burn 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

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Cirrus SR22

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

Beechcraft Bonanza

Which Should You Buy: Cirrus SR22 or Beechcraft Bonanza?

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 SR22 if…

  • More inventory — 251 listings vs 1.

Pick the Bonanza if…

  • Budget matters — from $56,320 vs $233,400, you save ~$177,080.

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Cirrus SR22 or Beechcraft Bonanza?
It depends on your mission and budget. 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?
Cirrus SR22: from $649,900. Beechcraft Bonanza: from $95,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cirrus SR22 and Beechcraft Bonanza?
SR22 engine: Continental IO-550-N (310 hp).
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?
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