2003 Honda Element vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 3 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, 2003 Honda Element (158 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. (141 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 65 kg more than 2003 Honda Element.
Because 2006 Mercedes-Benz C 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 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C (220 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Honda Element. (216 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Honda Element.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Honda Element | 2006 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Element | C |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2352 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 70 L |
