Beechcraft Bonanza 36 / A36 / G36 vs Cessna 210M/N Centurion II (1977-1984)
Head-to-head — specs, at a glance.
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iBeechcraft Bonanza 36 / A36 / G36
The Beechcraft Bonanza 36 is the stretched, six-seat version of the Bonanza — 10 inches longer than the 33/35, with a standard sixth seat and double aft cargo doors that make it one of the most versatile single-engine piston aircraft ever built. Introduced in 1968 as the Model 36, it evolved through the A36 (1970-2005) and the current G36 (2006-present with Garmin G1000 NXi glass cockpit).
- +Six-seat capacity with double cargo doors — most versatile single-engine piston aircraft
- +176 KTAS cruise speed with 920 nm range — genuine cross-country performance
- +Excellent parts availability and mechanic familiarity — still in production as G36
- !Spar carry-through cracks are the single most significant structural concern for A36 models
- !Higher annual operating costs ($20k–$30k/year) and expensive overhauls limit affordability
- !Aging fuel cell bladders and landing gear actuators on mid-to-high-time airframes require planned replacement
Cessna 210M/N Centurion II (1977-1984)
The 1977-1986 Cessna 210M and 210N represent the **mature, final-production NA Centurion II**. The 210M (1977) launched after a 4-year production hiatus with a **completely redesigned landing gear system** (electric motor driving hydraulic pump, replacing the engine-driven pump of earlier 210s). The 210N (1978-1986) refined the M design and -- starting in 1979 -- **deleted the main gear doors entirely**, dramatically simplifying the gear system and reducing maintenance burden.
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