1981 Honda Ballade vs. 2007 Honda Element
To start off, 2007 Honda Element is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Honda Ballade. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Honda Ballade would be higher. At 2,354 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Honda Element is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Honda Element (166 HP) has 99 more horse power than 1981 Honda Ballade. (67 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Ballade. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Honda Element weights approximately 1171 kg more than 1981 Honda Ballade. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2007 Honda Element (218 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Ballade. (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2007 Honda Element will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Ballade. 2007 Honda Element has automatic transmission and 1981 Honda Ballade has manual transmission. 1981 Honda Ballade will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Honda Element will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Honda Ballade | 2007 Honda Element | |
| Make | Honda | Honda |
| Model | Ballade | Element |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1334 cc | 2354 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 166 HP |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 99 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 1956 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1770 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2580 mm |
