Beechcraft Bonanza 36 / A36 / G36 vs Piper Saratoga (NA Retractable, 1980-2009)
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
Piper Saratoga (NA Retractable, 1980-2009)
The Piper PA-32R is the retractable-gear version of the PA-32 family, produced from 1976 through 2009 under several names: Lance, Lance II, and Saratoga. It is one of the most capable six-seat, single-engine airplanes ever produced -- a fast, roomy, long-legged cross-country machine that carries big loads over serious distances.
- +Fast, comfortable six-seat cross-country cruiser (158 KTAS, 740+ nm range)
- +Excellent useful load (1,430 lbs) for cargo and passengers
- +Widely supported engine (Lycoming IO-540) with good parts availability
- !Retractable gear is maintenance-intensive and expensive to operate
- !High fuel consumption (18 GPH) makes local flying costly
- !Wing spar life limits now subject to mandatory inspections and eventual replacement
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