V35B Bonanza Vs. Mooney M20M Bravo - Ultimate $200K Airplane Showdown 

Nice video... This was a decision I actually made 2 years ago. I wanted a reasonably fast aircraft, seating for 4 (3+ bags) on an iconic frame (since I couldn't afford new @ $1M). This left me with a Mooney or Bonanza. After riding in both - the Bonanza won me over with comfort, build quality, and handling. It hand flies effortlessly and the landing gear provides very forgiving touchdowns. The biggest factor for me was comfort. I found the seating position in the Mooney very uncomfortable on my ankles and prefer a more upright seating position. 80 gallons / 74 usable was standard for a V35B and a common option on the V35A model as well. I ended up with a 68 V35A. It boasts some features that I wasn't specifically looking for but were lucky to find including tip tanks, TKS, and an upgraded IO550 motor. No regrets....

I own a bonanza, and I love it! If I had to fly any other single it would be a Mooney. Both incredible airplanes.

I've owned 3 Bonanzas since 1970 and flown in a number of Mooneys. My '70 V35B which I've owned since March 2004 has Osborne tip tanks which add 40 more gallons (114 useable) with a 200# gross weight increase to 3600#. IFR WAAS CNX80 GPS and MX20 mated to the Aspen 1000 and Century 2000 autopilot make it a solid IFR machine. The 285HP IO-520 BA with the GAMI injections and EDM 700 allow me to run LP at 12 to 13 gph at 165 kts cruise typically. When talking about aircraft manufacturers I usually compare Piper and Cessna with Ford and Chevy and Mooney with Buick, but the Bonanza and Barons with Mercedes. No comparison between the models in my opionion. As a retired airline captain (B-777), I fly my V35B for pleasure, both locally and cross country about 100 hours per year. It is comfortable, fuel efficient and fast. I'm 6'3" and need a shoe horn to get in and out of a Mooney. I winter in California and summer in NW Wisconsin. Two 4.5 hour legs and I'm in CA from WI, return flight is less with better winds. My longest flight was 7.3 hours IFR, 5 hours in the soup without the autopilot (in the shop for upgrade) from FLL to near IAH via the land route. I still had 2.5 hours of fuel left. The autopilot is a pleasure on long cross country flights. The Bonanza is a hands down winner in the high performance singles arena and the best tool in the A to B destination category (IMHO).

I owned an M20C for 10 years, and have an M20K now for about 5 years, and 500+ hours on it. I've flown Bonanzas, Barrons and a King Air, so I also have a high regard for Beech planes (they are tough, truck-like, and also fun to fly). I continue to prefer the M20 airframes for their efficiency and range, and my flying mission is often traveling to see family in the SE US (Mississippi, Florida), so greater than 800nm. I've flown my M20K 231(262 Trophy) from St. Augustine FL to Colorado Springs CO in a day, westbound.. At 65% power, I'm getting 150kts true at 8,000 MSL, and 180kts true at FL200, on 10.5 gph (LOP). My useful load is 877 lbs, so with 75gal of fuel (topped off), my range is 6 hours (10 gal reserve). That translates into 900-1080 nm per leg. That trip westbound today, cruising at 12,500, would require one stop, take 8:44, burning 95 gal. I'm not sure the Bo could do it in 1 stop, and I'm betting the fuel burn would be 50% greater (~150 gal). When talking about speed, you must take into consideration fuel stops if your mission is X-country. I've flown a lot of planes, and the seating position in the Mooney is quite comfortable, although more Porsche-like than the very upright position of a Bo (similar to a 182) or King Air. Flying qualities, the Mooney is fantastic, stable, efficient. Yes, it requires some getting used to when trying to land on short fields - approach speed discipline is important, and you can't force it - so learn to go around (you control the plane, not the other way around). I think Mooney is less expensive to maintain, parts and mechanics are pretty available for both Beech (exceept ruddervators) and Mooney airframes. Finally, walking up to your plane, you need to like (or love) how it looks and makes you feel. Aesthetics are subjective, but important. Statistics less so.

So, I went through this same comparison two years ago when shopping for my second airplane. I was eyeballing a turbo Mooney 231. Great airplane, fast, and efficient. I then sought out a bonanza to compare it to as I’d never say or flown in a bonanza. My local mechanic told me about one that was under repossession by the bank about 40 minutes away from where I live. I went to look at it, and saw that it was in decent shape with a brand new hydraulic prop and a newly rebuilt e225-8. The comparison is summed up the best by saying the Bonanza is like sitting in a truck. Mooney like a corvette. I ended up going with the D35 bonanza because of the lower acquisition cost, and being able to spend some money on making the plane “mine”. Helps that the bonanza also has every speed mod offered by D’Shannon. Cruises at 155kts on about 12GPH.

My first plane was a Beechcraft which I loved. Now I own a Mooney M20C and absolutely love it.

The V35B fuel capacity is 74 gallons standard not 44 gallons. You can get tip tanks for the Bonanza adding 40 more gallons. These tanks have a gross weight increase to compensate for the added fuel. The issue with the V tail is replacement ruddervators. Beech is not making any skins. Also if you fly a Bonanza you are ruined for anything else, they handle very well and are very easy to fly. They are also good on grass fields where the Mooney has issues with grass. There is more room in the Bonanza and you sit more upright then in the Mooney. I think both are great planes but for just fun of flying the Bonanza has the Mooney beat. I have owned an older Bonanza since 1993 and still love flying it. 175 mph on 12 gph, near Mooney numbers. Very easy to fly, no problem going into a major field or a 1600 ft grass strip.

Nice thing about the Bonanza is it's easy to take the back seats out for more cargo versatility. Plus STCs are available for tip tanks and turbo normalizers. I think the gear on a Bo is a little tougher too.

This isn't related to this video in particular however I wanted to thank you for the incredible content on your channel. I got my complex endorsement and checked out in a Mooney M20C today and your videos helped a ton in my preparation for the flight. Little tips and tricks you use in your Mooney translated directly to my flight and helped a lot. Keep up the good work 👍

I have to go with the Bonanza, however, I think the A36 is the best!

The v-35b has two 40 gallon tanks, 74 usable. I enjoy your channel, keep the videos coming!

I grew up with both aircraft. Growing up I lived next door to Alex Rich a Beachcraft parts dealer and one of the early members of the Bonanza Society. Alex kept a Barron in his Hangar in Oxnard until the day he past away. A close friend owned a Mooney 201 as I grew up calling it. He went on to buy the Porsche Powered version of the Airplane back in the late 80's. I thought that was so cool. Ended up taking my lessons in a Piper Cherokee that our Mooney family friend owned. I could look at the M20L for hours, always thought that was a beautiful aircraft. Yes I also love Porsche. Interesting to note that the Mooney M20L owner never drove a Porsche but Alex Rich, the owner of the Barron and former Bonanza Owner, also owned several Porsche cars. My choice will always be Mooney.

I’ve never flown either aircraft, but I am looking to purchase one someday and your work on this comparison is helpful, thanks.

I'd love to see you do a review/comparison with some 6 seater airplanes. Piper Saratoga or Lance versus ??? Keep the videos coming!

Got rid of the Grand Commander during fuel shortages back in the day. Got the Bonanza V35B. Sure it got it down the length of Baja without tip tanks. Less fuel costs. Stripped off all antennas & steps for a cleaner profile. Some place in the corner of Kansas did a speed kit. Saved money but hated the plane as a co-pilot. Hard to load supplies , not great visual forward from back seats and very worse was had to wear a brimmed hat due to burning sun thru windows. Missed moving around in the Commander & easy to load supplies. Plus the Commander was a beauty. Step right in. No step up on wing without the removed step!!!!

I just sold my 1990 M20M Bravo. I lost my medical and doubt I'll get it back. I logged close to 1000 hours in the Bravo. It is a pilot's aircraft. Handling is good and I found the pilot's seat comfortable for long-distance trips. I was able to fly from Cheyenne (KCYS) to Tucson (KTUS) nonstop with legal IFR reserves. I generally planned for 17000 feet, about 190 KTAS and saw about 18-19 gal/h. The airframe is solid. There are very few reports of in-flight breakups. The plane was reliable and a real joy to fly. I'd buy a Mooney again if I got the medical back. It's a great IFR platform.

I’ve owned both before (at different times). For perhaps the first time in my life I can’t really definitively say which one I liked better - I loved them both. But the more spacious interior of the Bonanza was nice. (But it took me many hours to get use to the V-tail “wiggle” in turbulence. I had no foreknowledge of this Bonanza “wiggle” when I bought it and thought something was “wrong” for more hours than I care to admit to!! But bottom line I loved BOTH of these planes!!

I have flown all of the high-performance piston singles and have owned several. By far, the best flying with the biggest CG envelope is the Bellanca Super Viking. The flight and handling characteristics are far superior to any other HPS aircraft.

At 12:25 For me, judging on looks, hands down its the Mooney. Just looks sleeker than the Bonanza. Looks like its going fast even with the tie downs on hehe. Cheers Dion

Mooney Lycoming engine will have a much better chance to reach TBO than the Continental even with the turbo. If you are planning to fly trips 500 miles or more regularly, the Moony is certainly the answer. I would buy the Mooney.

I was in the same boat as the gent below....I really wanted a Mooney 201 based on the numbers...but the things have no room in them at all. And, your legs are actually under the engine. So if you hit a hangar, you just broke your legs. The Bonanza has a lot more room, although it burns more fuel. I wound up getting a Bonanza.

Bonanza: the muscle car Moony:the small sports car

Would go with comfort/space. The Bonanza has more room for cross county trips, and more baggage space.

I think the bonanza has a 40+gallon tank in each wing. It seems like There is 74g usable total on the plane.

Bonanza was roomier and more expensive per hour. Mooney normal cruise was 180 burning 8g/hr. I felt like I was wearing the Mooney..great feeling. Whenever I has the choice it was the Mooney.

Disclaimer: I own an old per Bo so take it with a grain of salt….. as for fuel capacity, you found a needle in a hay stack. That V-tail is a cross country flying machine…except the fuel capacity. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen one that had not received aux tanks at some point in its 50 year old life. Most are the quilt with 74-85 gallons. I can carry 88 gallons (1960). What interesting is that by filling my tips, it INCREASES useful load that pretty much voids out the weight of additional fuel. Second: Talk to a mechanic on which one they prefer. I’ve never met one that said “Man, I love working on those Mooney’s.” Last: The Bonanza just feels different. You often hear Mooney pilots defending the comfort of their bird. You’re not going to hear that from a Bonanza owner. Both are great birds and would love to see either on the ramp when I taxi in!

If I had money to burn I think I would do the v tail, tip tanks can be added and come with a gross weight increase plus I actually think the v tail skin replacement issue might actually get a solution because of money being put up by the community. The mooney is awesome and I would love one too but having textron still in business sure make me feel more comfortable about such a large purchase. If mooney gets up and going I think that would change my mind.

Good comparison, but what sold me on the Bonanza are two things never mentioned. One, Bonanzas can use gravel and grass strips due to length and strength of gears, which we routinely do now. Opens up all sorts of new places and missions. And two, in terms of comfort, when my wife and I got into a Mooney, she turned to me and said… “Cant do this, I feel like we are sardines and I need my space”. FYI, mine has the IO-550 conversion and at LOP, we burn 11-12. Lastly, my range, with 74 usable, is way past my families and mine bladder time, so I personally never see a range of 5 plus hours being very useful.

If the goal is to go fast and far, the Mooney is the obvious choice. It also wins for useful load if you don't have to fill the tanks. The Bonanza's fifth seat is less than useless; it only makes the plane more expensive to insure and easier to load past the aft CG limit. Still, the Bo may be the better plane for some, for reasons not stated in this comparison.

This are very nice General Aviation Aircraft that I’ve flown in and the inflation is on the rise and the Aircraft market on both of them have been way above retail price and I’m not a big fan of the Mooney but overall it’s fast enough to get me above the weather conditions and it’s worth getting a few avionics upgraded to make this a great IFR Aircraft so I’m in on the Mooney my choice of aircraft

I have owned 3 Bonanzas and a Baron since 1983 with more than 4000 hours in them and an active CFI-I. I am quite familiar with Moonys having visited both factories as well. Mooney is out of business! You missed the fuel capacity on the V35 big time. Standard capacity was always 80 gallons, 74 useable. Have you ever shoehorned into a Mooney? How about the comfort of the 4 seats and shoulder room? Not even close. If you ever saw a Mooney being built, you would have thought you were in a T-hangar building a kit plane. The fit, finish, materials are not comparable to any Beech product. Landing a Mooney is like being on a roller skate. So, why are they not in business anymore being CHEAPER? Easy answer. Your comparison is very flawed but entertaining.

Mooney all day for me!!

You may want to update the list comparison. The Bonanza has 74gal of usable fuel. Lean of peak operations at 8000ft and fuel burn of 12.5gph in the cruise, I can comfortably travel 750nm without refueling. 5hr15m with an hour of reserve fuel left. Either of the two tip tank options, BDS or Osborne add 40gal and 200lbs UL in the STC.

Two of my favorite GA aircraft. Another drawback to the V35 is the magnesium tail. We have one at my school and the tail is Swiss cheese because you can’t get the sheet metal

I owned a new Mooney MSE. I Traded it in for a new 2000 Mooney Bravo. That was a great plane. It had certified know ice TKS. Fit and finish were fantastic. Performance was great. Flying in the flight levels often got you out of the weather. Unfortunately, Mooney went through three owners and bankruptcy while I owned the plane. I took a beating on the resale price because of this. It was often hard to obtain parts. I’ve demoed a new at the time 2007 Beechcraft A36. That was a beautiful plane too. The Mooney had much better performance as a one or two person airplane. I’ve flown into Aspen and other high altitude airports our west. The Beechcraft was a better family plane with a better useful load. A turbo has a lot of performance advantages that the Beechcraft didn’t have. Lack of know ice certification is a real drawback for northeast pilots. All this being said, if I were going to purchase another plane today, I purchase the Beechcraft. You is too unstable of a company to rely on today.

Great evaluation. Very frustrating on these comparisons that a later model of the Bellanca super Viking isn’t included. The last few years were made utilizing the continental IO550 from the factory. Although just a handful of these were made, the 550 can be retro fitted to any super Viking going back to at least 1973. It is a game changer. The post 1979 SVs which represent most of the aerodynamic clean ups from that point on can be purchased typically sub 100k. The retrofitted ones are around 120K. Plenty of owner support groups and with the factory recently being purchased and moved to Oklahoma, there is renewed support on factory parts. In addition, the turbo charged Lycoming IO540 was a factory option from about 1969 through about 1977 or so. Not sure on exact years. The first ones were manually adjusted Twin rajay units with the latter being turbo normalized. Anyhow, you gave a great review of two great pieces of machinery but considering a third would have been good to see.

Just get one of each!

Cool. I got to about 7:35 and Mooney won hands down. Without mention of, almost zero maintenance gear, indestructible wing spar, genius+unique rudder trim, Focus or Porsche ish pushrod responsiveness. And the aerodynamically more sensible vert stabilizer that says to the world, smart is beautiful. And after all of that (faster on less gas) => (+2)² ...but, I am 5'5" 145-150 lbs, value agility strongly, and best bang to buck ratio.

I pick the M20M Mooney

When shopping I thought I wanted a Mooney due to speed and efficiency. I found an N35 Bonanza instead. I easily true out at 150kts at altitude and feel I have more room, better handling characteristics and with 74 gallons way more distance than my bladder can handle, all on 12 gal per hour. I am a Bonanza devotee thru & thru.

I fly my Bonanza regularly at 10.5 gph and have a 104 gallon fuel capacity. I can fly for a very long time before having to refuel. Also, the Bonanza is much more comfortable and roomy than a Mooney, regardless of what the specs for the cabin dimensions on the Mooney show. Mooney’s are incredible planes though. If I were a tall skinny guy, I’d have one.

Mooney its a no brainer! A&P

BOTH 😉

Mooney. No question.

I didn't dig into the comments deeply, but I would bet that someone else also caught a seeming error in the Bonanza stats - fuel capacity. Nearly all Bonanzas with unmodified fuel tanks have a total, useable, fuel capacity of 74 gallons, not 44. Double check - I'm pretty sure that I'm right about this. Otherwise, nice video on a choice I may have to make soon. I have about 400 hours total in the M20-J and M20 - K. Both are great, pilot's airplanes with great handling, speed and loading characteristics. But I find myself wanting a little bit roomier cabin these days and the V-tail has always been on my bucket list. The decider will likely be a specific airplane that I especially like, regardless of it's badge.

I dont get why so many people smooth-brain their way through stats instead if comparing apples to apples... adjust the Moone's cruse to match that if the Bonanza and fuel burn will be practically identical, if not better (turbo pistons are mor efficient) and dont max out your fuel on the Mooney and you can exceed that of the Bonanza...

We bought an S35, go Beechcraft!

Which is the best two seater, with yoke control, and economical airplane for a student pilot?

v-35. no doubts.

Soft short field go with the bonanza

This is a really hard one for me. I love both of these airplanes deeply. But I think I'm leaning towards Bonanza, because a lot of what I like about Mooneys is their minimalism, and a turbo-6 starts to fall away from that a bit. When did V-tails get so expensive?! I remember looking at some well under 100k not so long ago.

Bonanza!

Don’t know of many v35bs with the 50gal fuel. Most come with two 40 gal mains….74 gal usable.

Mooney all the way!

Word on the street is Beechcraft is going to start making complete ruddervator assemblies and replacement skins again. Not going to be cheap though.

I bought the Mooney.

I’ll like to see the comparison with the F33A vs. the V35B.

not sure where the 44gals come from... but IIRC it's 74 gals on the Beech of that year

How about DA-40 180 vs Bonanza A36 or F33?

I personally will like the Mooney with Normal aspirated engine, no turbo

Plane to plane for the money. Mooney beats. I have had a Beech for many years. The Mooneys 360 motor is cheaper to maintain. Fuel is huge and isn't going away. 200hP versions can be had for much less and are nearly as fast as the 470 motor. The Beech isn't that much wider. Today speed and economy is king. I love Bonanza. King of the ramp. I want to fly not worry about $8 fuel and 12 gph. The 360 is 9. Huge.

Nice comparison of two popular light planes. I've flown both and like them. It's a matter of personal preference and practicality. I prefer the Bonanza, V tail or straight, because it offers more room in the cabin. I find the performance more than adequate of the Bonanzas and they handle well in the air. For Mooney flyers, you can't beat the speed. 🙂

Always remember every mooney after the J was a product of every manufactures engineers going to mooney. The guy that desigbed the bonanza designed the metal wing for the mooney. Starting with the B model.

You didn't seem to cover "overall interior size". The Mooney I believe is narrow compared to the bonanza?

You are completely worng on added fuel to Bonanza - with the D'Shannon tip tanks, you add 30 Gal. My K model has 63 usable in the mains and aux tanks, yielding 93 usable gal. But more important: The STC for the tips adds that much weight to the gross carrying capacity! So about 300 lbs total (have to look it up). so you don't lose useful load, and if you do not use the tip tanks, you get an increase! And one more thing - comparing a turbo vs non-turbo is sort of meaningless. Of course the turbo can go higher, and consequently faster TAS.

I keep reading that the parts for the Bonanza's are a lot more expensive than Mooney parts. Can anyone confirm this?

Well depending on the version you might get a little more performance from the Mooney. In every other regard that Bo is just in a class of her own.

Usually the V35 has 74 gallon fuel tanks?

I believe both are great platforms, the bonanza has a bad rap based on the dr killer however, that is based on data which shows people who flew and had an accident did not have training

You did not include your option, but in my country bonanzas rule the skies .( after the cessnas ...)

I recuse myself!!! I own a M20K 252 lol

The video didn’t mention what type of Bonanza. Find a corporate hanger with a beautiful white floor. Along side the Mooney get An A-36TC double doors, fold out tables, room for a couple bicycles. Tip tanks. I’d rather explore the South Pacific with my snorkeling gear in a Bonanza. Plenty of fuel to hop over to New Zealand then the Australian outback. This is if your a outdoors explorer type of guy. The Bonanza hands down.

I’ll avoid the bonanza due to the tail issue. That said, and with $200K, I’d likely get a diamond, or buy something much cheaper and put the money on upgrades!

I would not buy a V-tail ever, so not even, a comparison between a Mooney and a V well it is not one at all. Now the T-tail would be a hard comparison.

I would need to go with the Bonanza on this one. It's an all around nicer aircraft!! The one major downfall for the Bonanza is it's lack of fuel capacity and cross country distance.

I really don't understand comparing paint/interior and avionics at all......you can get either plane and update either to what you want and it makes no difference on the performance of either plane......just fast forward to 7:40 and pause the video, that's pretty much all you need to make your decision. although you really couldn't go wrong with either one. both pretty badass in their own way. either choice would be awesome, as long as you chose the mooney :)

I'll wager that not a single V35B left the factory with 50 gal tanks. All of them got the 80 gal tanks, with 74 gal useable. For a range of 1100 miles and a useful load of 1,248 lbs.

The magnesium V tail Bonanza is know to corrode, and they no longer make these tail skins. I would require to open up these in a pre purchase inspection. I doubt many sellers would allow this since if they are “toast” the airplane is useless. This should have been talked about in this video, Beechcraft does NOT make this parts. I believe that would be the biggest game changer in anyone’s opinion. And if you only fill the Mooney tanks to the Bonanza’s capacity you WILL have a much larger useful load (comparing apples to apples). By all means, buy the Mooney.

Not really a fair comparison by comparing a turbo mooney to a normally aspirated Binanza. A better comparion would be the Mooney Ovation and the Bonanza that way you are comparing 2 normally aspirated aircraft. Or, compare the Bravo to a Turbo normalized Bonanza. In any event, the Bonanza will be more comfortable with a higher useful load while the Mooney will be faster and more economical. Either are excellent choices. I've owned two Mooneys and now own an F33A Bonanza and I love them both.

why not compare a turbo Bonanza to the bravo? isn't that a better comparison? I love the bonanza but i also like the Mooney two. This is a hard one.

1970 vs 1990 for the same money. There’s your answer right there!

Funny how you got a picture of my 1955 F35 in your pictures, most have sniped it off of facebook.

Bonanza has 74 gallons in this model.

If you're going to post specs get them right, the bonanza has 74 gallons usable not 44. If you compare at 10K ft you're more like 185K vs 170K. Get a turbo normalizer for the bonanza and do a comparison you'll find 215K vs 217K. Also if you do run either in the flight levels at anywhere near max cruise expect 1000 TBO or less.

Mooney rules... 4ever One phrase: fuel price. Sell ya Nanza and buyvyerself a Mooney ... efficiency age guys.

BONANZA

It seems fuel capacity on the V35B Bonanza was very rarely as low as I have referenced. More commonly they had 80 gallons with 74 usable. This added fuel improves the range to greater than 750 nautical miles. I apologize for any confusion!

I still think the Mooney is a better plane in every way.

I own a 94" Bravo, a truely wonderful airplane. As the author stated the reason for the mismatch Turbo vs NA was to keep price involved. I've owned mine for 5 yrs, before that another turbo Mooney, prior to that a NA Mooney. Basically, if you fly high, or long distance, buy a turbo, if not stick to a normally aspirated. The maintenance on a turbo is appreciably higher. I like to fly FAST.

good work...however there is much more to this compare and plus various models of each. comparing turbo and non-turbo is not a fair comparison. also maintenance and cost A&P/IA is Major if not the top consideration. which you don't have with experimental. for example Vans RV10....which is in same class of planes. i would have compared the turbo normalized A36 beech..which does go to 2000TBO or more because of the design. typical of turbo it will not make it to TBO unless you put intercooler. but you will most likely be replacing a cylinder or 2 before 2000 anyway. which is danger in itself. there is much, much, much more you missed in this video. for example a a turbo arrow with 20hp upgrade and intercooler will fly higher and faster without the rebuild cost of IO540 engine which is 60-80k.etc. etc etc... Anyway this video is a good start. Simple response is do your homework. science of engines, weight, altitude, etc.... are complex topics.

Apples to Peaches comparison. If you’re going to compare airplanes you don’t compare normally aspirated with turbocharged because the operating parameters are totally different. You had to choose a turbocharged Mooney to make the HP comparison as the NA version has 85 HP less than the Bonanza. The turbo has virtually no value below 6000 feet and except for takeoff/climb limited improvement in speed until above 12000. For a trip length under about 300 miles the turbo offers no advantage and it adds complexity and expense to the maintenance and operation of the airplane. As others have noted there are for all intents and purposes no Bonanzas later than 1960 with less than 74 gallons of usable fuel so your comparison of range and useful load are wrong. Compare a turbonormalized Bonanza to your Mooney and you’ll find all the advantages of the Bo, better interior room, more useful load, better short/soft field capability still exist and the difference in speed is insignificant. My 1965 V35 with a NA IO520BB has 74 gallons usable, 1400 lbs useful and will go cross country at 170k on about 14 gph, or less. Now run the numbers on a NA Mooney of similar condition and equipment. The Bo still comes out on top and as you pointed out, although expensive, parts are still available NEW for the Bo and there were thousands more Bonanzas built so it stands to reason many more used parts, not to mention all the STC’s mods available for a Bo. By the by some were leaning toward the Mooney because it was “newer”. Doesn’t it say something about the two airplanes when the Mooney, over 20 years “newer”, is priced similarly to the Bo? And 4000 hours isn’t a high time airframe for either of them.

Mooney Mite

V tail

I am a Mooniac till death... 😁

My Time, make mine a Bonanza. I've flown in Mooneys, Bonanzas, Cessnas, Pipers...the comfort and solid feel of a Beech is surpassed only by its performance. Even a 1968 V35A, IO-520, cruises at 177 kts indicated at 10,500 (10-12°C) while slowly draining 13.5 gals/hr. LOP for the 520 isn't an issue, it actually extends the life of the engine. A TSIO-520 equipped V35B would've been an appropriate comparison. I understand your constraints: on the market. However, you're making the decision for us with your comparison. The market supports a price on a "lesser" aircraft compared to a "better equipped 'cause we couldn't find a cheaper priced Bo' "? Yes. That translates to, "For the same $200k, the market supports the sale of non-turbo'd Bonanzas over turbo'd Mooneys." People have already voted with their wallets and thus you have this price point. You're asking, but the market has already determined the answer. In order for the cramped (questionable manufacturing future, maintenance detracted, 4 seater) Mooney to demand an equivalent price...it has to be turbocharged and 20 years newer.🫤 Thanks for the comparison. I'm not hung-up on some of the details, as you've already identified the erroneous info on the ABS site. I couldn't replace my Beech for 220k right now! That's the other edge of the "value" sword. If I had it to do all over again: Yes, make mine a Beech Bonanza.

Hardly a fair comparison. The Mooney is over two decades newer! You should reconsider your benchmark for choosing planes to compare. These two planes are generations apart.

Mooney guys will tell you they would buy the Mooney, Bonanza guys will tell you they would buy the Bonanza....I could have told you that without making a video. I have four Mooney owners in my neighborhood and me with a J35 Bo....I'm outnumbered hands down. I'm not in the 200,000.00 toy category so I compared aircraft in the sub 100K bracket. I tried to sit in a Mooney (at 6'1" 200lbs) when I was shopping and I was done....my head and shoulders were pressed against the roof and the window, my wife didn't even try to get in, she's 5'7". It could have gone 300 kts for 10 hours and that wouldn't have made any difference. I was uncomfortable before the engine even started. My 58 Bonanza gives me room to stretch, does 175 kts at 10.5 gph and is downright sexy.... I paid 55K for it. It's the smaller sportscar model of the V-tails, It climbs like a bat out of hell. I'm at cruise altitude before any of my friend's Mooneys are half way through the climb, and when I need it to come down and slow down all I do is ask it to....no speed brakes needed, drop the gear at almost any speed and with the bungee linked flight controls it is so easy to fly its almost a crime....As far as cost of ownership, I have a Ducati motorcycle that's more expensive to maintain. Like I said Bonanza guys love their airplanes!

HAHAHA ... looks like you rattled the cage of serious Bo fanboys. For $200K - HANDS DOWN, the Mooney wins this comparison without a doubt. Maybe the fanboys can find some equally equipped Bo's they would like you to compare against the decently equipped, turbo Mooney. I guess they are comfortable spending an additional $150K to get the same performance of the Mooney.

Let’s not forget bonanzas don’t glide for shit. While Mooney rocket feathered glides 1 mike for every 475’ down. That’s my only gripe with the bo…. Single engine , I want a glider

Bonanza. The Mooney is a miserable view for me. Sits too low. There is a reason captains buy v tails.