1996 BMW 523 vs. 2003 Honda Element
To start off, 2003 Honda Element is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 523. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 523 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 523 (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2003 Honda Element. (158 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 2003 Honda Element. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Honda Element weights approximately 85 kg more than 1996 BMW 523.
Because 1996 BMW 523 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1996 BMW 523. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Honda Element, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1996 BMW 523 (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Honda Element. (216 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Honda Element.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 523 | 2003 Honda Element | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 523 | Element |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Crossover |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 2352 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 99 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1545 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
