1998 Honda Step Wagon vs. 2006 Honda Element
To start off, 2006 Honda Element is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Honda Step Wagon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Honda Step Wagon would be higher. At 2,360 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Honda Element is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Honda Element (157 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1998 Honda Step Wagon. (123 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 1998 Honda Step Wagon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Honda Element weights approximately 540 kg more than 1998 Honda Step Wagon. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Honda Element is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Honda Step Wagon. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Honda Element will offer significantly more control. 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, 2006 Honda Element (217 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Honda Step Wagon. (185 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2006 Honda Element will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Honda Step Wagon.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Honda Step Wagon | 2006 Honda Element | |
| Make | Honda | Honda |
| Model | Step Wagon | Element |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Crossover |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 2360 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 185 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 99 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4610 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1840 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2580 mm |
