2003 Honda Element vs. 2004 Mazda 6
To start off, 2004 Mazda 6 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Honda Element. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Honda Element would be higher. At 2,352 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Honda Element is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda 6 (256 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 2003 Honda Element. (158 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 2003 Honda Element. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Honda Element weights approximately 600 kg more than 2004 Mazda 6.
Because 2004 Mazda 6 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Honda Element. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Mazda 6 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, 2004 Mazda 6 (380 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 164 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Honda Element. (216 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2004 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Honda Element.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Honda Element | 2004 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Element | 6 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2352 cc | 2261 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2680 mm |
