Beechcraft Bonanza vs Beechcraft Baron
The Beechcraft Bonanza and Baron are siblings — the Baron is essentially the twin-engine evolution of the Bonanza — so this is the classic single-versus-twin decision. The A36 Bonanza is the benchmark high-performance single: 300 hp, ~174 kt, six seats, and the lowest cost of the two to buy and run. The Baron 58 adds a second 300 hp engine for redundancy and ~200 kt cruise with a much bigger useful load and range, at roughly double the fuel, two overhaul reserves, and twin-rated insurance. You are really choosing whether a second engine is worth the cost.
Key specifications, side by side
| Beechcraft Bonanza | Beechcraft Baron | |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 4–6 | 6 |
| Engine | Continental IO-550-B (A36) | 2 × Continental IO-550-C (58) |
| Horsepower | 300 hp | 300 hp each (600 hp) |
| Cruise speed | ~174 kt | ~200 kt |
| Range | ~920 nm | ~1,480 nm |
| Useful load | ~1,050 lb | ~1,900 lb |
| Fuel (usable) | 74 gal | 166 gal |
| Landing gear | Retractable tricycle | Retractable tricycle |
Representative figures for a popular variant of each family — exact specs vary by model year, engine, and avionics configuration.
What's different about the Beechcraft Bonanza
- Build quality and ramp presence put it at the top of the single-engine piston class — the classic "doctor's airplane."
- 300 hp, retractable gear, and ~174 kt make the A36 a fast six-seat family and business cross-country plane.
- Premium parts and the V-tail variant's history mean higher upkeep; a thorough pre-buy and type-specific training matter.
What's different about the Beechcraft Baron
- A cabin-class piston twin — a second engine for redundancy and ~200 kt cruise make it a genuine all-weather, long-range traveler.
- The natural step up for a Bonanza owner who wants twin redundancy and the load to fill six seats with bags.
- Two engines mean two overhaul reserves and twin-rated insurance, so it is far more expensive to run solo than a single — co-ownership is the norm.
Beechcraft Bonanza vs Beechcraft Baron — frequently asked questions
Quick answers for buyers and prospective co-owners.
What is the difference between a Bonanza and a Baron?
The Baron is the twin-engine version of the Bonanza lineage. The A36 Bonanza is a 300 hp single cruising ~174 kt; the Baron 58 has two 300 hp engines (600 hp total), cruises around 200 kt, and carries far more — with the cost and complexity of a second engine.
Is the Baron much more expensive to own than a Bonanza?
Considerably. The Baron burns roughly twice the fuel, carries two engines to overhaul, and needs a multi-engine rating and twin insurance, so it costs far more to run solo than a Bonanza — which is exactly why Barons are so commonly co-owned across several partners.
Should I step up from a Bonanza to a Baron?
Step up if you want twin-engine redundancy for night, weather, or over-water flying and routinely fill six seats with bags over long distances. If your mission fits a single, the Bonanza delivers most of the cabin and speed for far less money.