Grumman AA-5B Tiger vs Beechcraft Sundowner

The Tiger and Beechcraft Sundowner compare two low-wing four-seat fixed-gear singles.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily

Grumman AA-5B Tiger
For sale now
21
Median asking
$122,350
Range
$93,309–$154,000
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
7
Source marketplaces
7
Model years available
1974–1979
Beechcraft Sundowner
For sale now
22
Median asking
$105,000
Range
$60,241–$147,000
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
5
Source marketplaces
5
Model years available
1970–1983

Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Grumman AA-5B Tiger Beechcraft Sundowner
Grumman AA-5B Tiger
View 18 listings →
Median $122,350
Beechcraft Sundowner
View 23 listings →
Median $105,000
Price Range $93,309 – $154,000 $60,241 – $147,000
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 4 6
Horsepower 180 HP
Cruise Speed 143 kts (265 km/h) 125 kts (232 km/h)
Range 681 nm (1,261 km) 600 nm (1,111 km)
Max Gross Weight 2,400 lbs (1,089 kg) 2,450 lbs (1,111 kg)
Useful Load 900 lbs (408 kg)
TBO 2,000 hrs
Engines 1 x Piston 1 x Piston

Which Should You Buy: Grumman AA-5B Tiger or Beechcraft Sundowner?

Bottom line: Choose the Tiger for noticeably higher cruise and lighter handling; choose the Sundowner for a roomier, heavier-feeling cabin with Beechcraft build. Tiger = speed; Sundowner = cabin/solidity. ================================================================ # Grumman Cheetah (AA-5A) — four-seat fixed-gear (lower power) ================================================================

Pick the AA-5B Tiger if…

  • Faster cruise — 143 kts vs 125 kts.
  • Longer range — 681 nm vs 600 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 1975 vs 1971.

Pick the Sundowner if…

  • Budget matters — from $60,241 vs $93,309, you save ~$33,068.
  • More seats — 6 vs 4.
  • More inventory — 23 listings vs 18.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Grumman AA-5B Tiger or Beechcraft Sundowner?
It depends on your mission and budget. The AA-5B Tiger cruises at 143 kts with 681 nm range. The Sundowner cruises at 125 kts with 600 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Grumman AA-5B Tiger: from $122,350. Beechcraft Sundowner: from $20,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Grumman AA-5B Tiger and Beechcraft Sundowner?
AA-5B Tiger engine: Lycoming O-360-A4K. Sundowner engine: Lycoming IO-360-A1B6 (180 hp). Seats: 4 vs 6. Cruise: 143 vs 125 kts. Range: 681 vs 600 nm.
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?
AA-5B Tiger: 4 seats. Sundowner: 6 seats / 900 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?
Sundowner: 2,000-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