Cessna 182 vs Beechcraft Bonanza
The Cessna 182 Skylane and the Beechcraft Bonanza are both four-seat-plus cross-country singles, but they sit a class apart in speed and price. The high-wing 182 is a rugged, fixed-gear hauler that carries four adults with bags, flies into rougher strips, and stays relatively simple and affordable to own. The Bonanza is the benchmark high-performance single — 300 hp, retractable gear, a four-to-six-seat cabin, top-tier build quality and ~174 kt cruise — at a higher purchase price and premium upkeep. One maximizes capability per dollar; the other maximizes speed, cabin, and prestige.
Key specifications, side by side
| Cessna 182 | Beechcraft Bonanza | |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 4 | 4–6 |
| Engine | Lycoming IO-540 (182T) | Continental IO-550-B (A36) |
| Horsepower | 230 hp | 300 hp |
| Cruise speed | ~145 kt | ~174 kt |
| Range | ~930 nm | ~920 nm |
| Useful load | ~1,100 lb | ~1,050 lb |
| Fuel (usable) | 87 gal | 74 gal |
| Landing gear | Fixed 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 Cessna 182
- The 172's bigger sibling: more horsepower and a constant-speed prop deliver real four-seats-with-bags useful load.
- Carries four adults, full fuel, and baggage — a genuine family hauler rather than a two-plus-light-bags compromise.
- Nose-heavy on landing and thirstier to operate; rewards trim discipline with stable, capable IFR cross-country manners.
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.
Cessna 182 vs Beechcraft Bonanza — frequently asked questions
Quick answers for buyers and prospective co-owners.
Is a Beechcraft Bonanza faster than a Cessna 182?
Yes, by a clear margin. The 300 hp Bonanza cruises around 174 kt against about 145 kt for the 230 hp Cessna 182. The 182 trades that speed for fixed-gear simplicity, rugged short-field ability, and lower cost.
Which is cheaper to own, a 182 or a Bonanza?
The 182, generally. Its fixed gear and simpler systems keep maintenance and insurance below the Bonanza, whose retractable gear, bigger engine, and premium parts raise upkeep — costs many Bonanza owners share through co-ownership.
Which should I choose?
Choose the 182 for rugged, economical four-seat hauling from shorter or rougher fields; choose the Bonanza for roughly 30 kt more speed, a larger cabin, and top-class build quality if the higher running cost fits your mission.