Beechcraft Bonanza 36 / A36 / G36 vs Mooney M20R Ovation (1994-2008)
Head-to-head — specs, at a glance.
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Beechcraft 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
Mooney M20R Ovation (1994-2008)
The 1994 Mooney M20R Ovation was a **major step up in performance for the M20 line** -- the first Mooney with a 6-cylinder Continental IO-550-G engine producing 280 HP, replacing the M20J's 200 HP Lycoming IO-360. The Ovation airframe added a stretched cabin, taller cabin door, and refined fuselage aerodynamics on top of the M20J's redesigned long-body layout.
- +1,300 NM range — longest non-turbo Mooney
- +190 KTAS cruise at 75% power — 20 KTAS faster than M20J
- +1,243 lbs useful load — strong payload for class
- !IO-550-G cylinder sensitivity — requires borescope inspection on all six
- !Complex cabin door seal design — water intrusion risk if deteriorated
- !Limited dealer support — Mooney's production history affects regional availability
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