Beechcraft Bonanza 36 / A36 / G36 vs Cirrus SR22 / SR22T
Head-to-head — specs, at a glance.
i
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
Cirrus SR22 / SR22T
The Cirrus SR22 is the best-selling GA aircraft in the world — a distinction it has held for over 20 consecutive years. Introduced in 2001 as a more powerful version of the SR20, the SR22 pairs a Continental IO-550-N (310HP) with the composite airframe, CAPS parachute, and Garmin glass cockpit to create the definitive modern piston single.
- +World's best-selling GA aircraft with 8,000+ built and proven track record
- +CAPS parachute safety system (250+ lives saved); deployment available through most flight regimes
- +Exceptional speed and range for piston single (SR22T: 213 KTAS, 1,046 nm)
- !CAPS repack mandatory every 10 years at $18,000–$20,000; budget $2,000/year reserves
- !Composite airframe requires certified technicians; impact damage expensive ($5,000–$15,000+ per incident)
- !Turbo models demand careful temperature management; expensive engine overhauls ($42,000–$48,000)
Comparing a specific airplane you found for sale?
Get a Tail # Report on that tail number →