2003 Honda Element vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz R
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz R 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 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz R is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz R (187 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2003 Honda Element. (158 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz R should accelerate faster than 2003 Honda Element. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz R weights approximately 590 kg more than 2003 Honda Element. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Mercedes-Benz R 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz R 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 Mercedes-Benz R (441 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 225 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Honda Element. (216 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz R 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 R | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Element | R |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2352 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 441 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 2220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1660 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2990 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 80 L |
