1996 Ford Escort vs. 2008 Honda Element
To start off, 2008 Honda Element is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Escort would be higher. At 2,354 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Honda Element is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Honda Element (166 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1996 Ford Escort. (74 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Honda Element weights approximately 786 kg more than 1996 Ford Escort. 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, 2008 Honda Element (218 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Escort. (114 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2008 Honda Element will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Escort. 2008 Honda Element has automatic transmission and 1996 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1996 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Honda Element will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Escort | 2008 Honda Element | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Escort | Element |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Crossover |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1389 cc | 2354 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 166 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 114 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1956 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4140 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1770 mm |
