I'm starting to look at planes with more useful load than my 60' Deb. I have asked about v35 and a36 but I don't know anything about the Cessna210. Any of you guys have time in one?
Thanks,
Russell

They are great airplanes and I'd take an A36 over a 210 any day.

210's are great planes suited for a slightly different mission than a Bonanza. 210 is an Escalade, Bonanza is an S class mercedes. If you want to haul A LOT with no CG issues, 210 is your bird.

We have a 1973 T201L and my brother frequently fills the seats with kids. Useful load in ours is 938lbs. Not that the kids are getting bigger, he does have to pay attention to total weight, but not how it’s loaded. On the last trip he had room for 94lbs of baggage. I noticed that he left water bottles and jars of peanuts on the hangar floor, so I’m pretty sure he was at gross.

He’s not a LOP guy so he burns 20gph at ~165kts.

I’ve never flown a Beech, but think it handles fine. Easier to land than a 182. As with any high wing, you need to be firmly on the ground before you start braking or you’ll put flat spots in the tires.

The first annual was a lot, but for the last few years annuals and repairs have been around $5,000 for around 100 hours per year of flying. We switched IAs this year and are doing most of the work ourselves, so we’re hoping for a lower annual cost.

A friend with a 79 has burned up a couple of cylinders, but we have high compressions and no turbo issues.

I had a 78 T210M for about five years. Wonderful airplane, reasonably fast, and really carries a load. Not as nice to fly as a Bonanza, it is a bit trucky, although it is an excellent instrument platform. Much more convenient than a Beech when it rains, as you get out under the wing. Far easier to drain the tanks, and you fly in the shade. For sight seeing it is great as you can see straight down, but not into the turns.

Exactly my experience in 350 hours in the same model.

Story: I once flew into Snyder, OK, to a grass strip...the only airport for the town. Just before arrival it started pouring rain. With no DME, I had to circle several times before I saw a wind sock. A local saw me circling. He drove under the wing just as I found a place to park the plane. I got out of the plane and into his Cadillac without getting a drop of rain on me.

And this is exactly why general aviation represents the best of our Country.

What a privileged few we are.

Gilbert said it very well - the T210 is one of the best single engine airplanes out there.

I had 500+ hours in rented F33s and A36s and truly loved flying Bonanzas (I still do) but when it came time to purchase my own plane I chose a 1980 T210. Why?

- more interior room. The A36 just doesn't have any baggage area and if people are sitting in the back there's no where to put "stuff". The 210 has a nice baggage area behind the rear seats.
- I liked the two doors, however this ones a wash with the A36 cargo door
- more fuel and range. Down low, the T210 and A36 are about the same speed, but up high where you can take more advantage of the turbo, the T210 is faster. Also, the stock T210 has 89 gallons whereas the A36 only has 74 (yes, you can add tips and/or TAT turbo)
- air conditioning - factory AC is more readily available on the 210. When it worked it was great, but it was very finicky.
- radar pod - very nice addition on the 210, even with NEXRAD. Hard to find in a A36
- known ice capable.
- slightly better off field performer (don't believe the bs about the 210 gear system - it's rock solid).

Please don't get me wrong - I love flying Bonanzas, but the above were MY reasons for purchasing a known ice, radar equipped and air conditioned T210. Every mission and pilot is different!

FYI, I have a 421 now and love this airplane, but still miss my 210!

Robert

I'm just NOT a 210 person... my few experiences with them just turned me off compared to the A36. I'd take the Bonanza hands down.... even if I have to get wet when getting out. But that's what umbrellas are for.

+1 What Robert said!! The fat sister handles like a truck the Bo is a sport utility vehicle. I think its easier to get in and out of the Cessna than the Bo. Umbrellas don't work as well as the high wing as the interior is going to get wet in the Bo. Both are great performers.

Many A36s have the rear cargo area option, or it can be added if needed.

Comparing a T210 to a non TN/turbo A36 is apples and oranges. A Turbo or TN A36 will absolutely smoke a T210 at any altitude.

Just sayin.

Agree the T210 is a great airplane. I seriously considered it before settling on the 36. I ultimately discounted it because it's a Chevy Suburban and I wanted a Porsche Cayenne.

I have over 1,000 hrs in a 210, but only an hour to two in a Bonanza. Not sure about the analogies to an SUV vs a sports car. This all seems a stretch. Speed: basically the same. Fuel consumption: about the same. Payload with full fuel, 210 significantly better. Room for passengers and luggage, 210 much better. Bonanzas are certainly a quality airplane, but the 210 and perhaps the Piper Lance (I used to own one of those too) are "better" if you're needing more room and payload.

210's have the funkiest retractable main landing gear in existance. Seems to more "fall off" than retract. But it certanily must be robust enough.

+1

I have about 250 hours in NA & T210's. I have little to no experience in Bonanzas other than traveling with friends. I'm looking for my first Bonanza now. The T210 is a good airplane. TAS 155 kts. Useful load around 1500 lbs. Performs well. Flown them with the Robertson and Horton STOL kits on them. 6 seats. The front and middle row is comfortable. The back two seats should be for smaller folks and it's a climb to get back there. Good IFR machine. I have the chance to buy either. I want the Bonanza.

Russell,
I owned one for 10 years and 1200 hours. Loved it. Other than what has been said, if you are interested in going further, purchase John Frank's buyers guide from the Cessna Pilots Association. Details out the modifications made for each year. Paul New with Tennessee Aircraft is also a great resource for 210 maintenance information.

Brent