1996 Honda Ballade vs. 2007 Honda Element
To start off, 2007 Honda Element is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda Ballade. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 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 @ 5800 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1996 Honda Ballade. (89 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Ballade. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Honda Element weights approximately 810 kg more than 1996 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 @ 400 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Ballade. (131 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2007 Honda Element will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Ballade.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Ballade | 2007 Honda Element | |
| Make | Honda | Honda |
| Model | Ballade | Element |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1491 cc | 2354 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 166 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 1900 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1820 mm |
