Cirrus SR22 vs Beechcraft Bonanza 36
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
- 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
- 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) | Cirrus SR22 | Beechcraft Bonanza 36 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 124 | — |
| Serious | 8 | — |
| Fatal | 38 | — |
| Fatalities | 74 | — |
| % Fatal | 31% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Cirrus SR22 | Beechcraft Bonanza 36 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $233,400 – $867,970 | $229,000 – $875,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 5 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 310 HP | 285 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 183 kts (339 km/h) | 168 kts (311 km/h) |
| Range | 1,049 nm (1,943 km) | 697 nm (1,291 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 17,500 ft (5,334 m) | 18,000 ft (5,486 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,600 lbs (1,633 kg) | 3,400 lbs (1,542 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,183 lbs (537 kg) | — |
| Fuel Capacity | 92.0 gal (348 L) | 74.0 gal (280 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 13.5 GPH (51 L/h) | 14.0 GPH (53 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 1,700 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $36,000 | $35,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $25,000 | $22,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $180 | $195 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCirrus SR22
Beechcraft Bonanza 36
Which Should You Buy: Cirrus SR22 or Beechcraft Bonanza 36?
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…
- Lower operating cost — ~$180/hr vs $195/hr.
- Faster cruise — 183 kts vs 168 kts.
- Longer range — 1049 nm vs 697 nm.
- Newer design — production from 2001 vs 1968.
- More inventory — 251 listings vs 210.
Pick the Bonanza 36 if…
- Budget matters — from $229,000 vs $233,400, you save ~$4,400.
- More seats — 6 vs 5.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.