2004 Honda Element vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2004 Honda Element is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (175 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2004 Honda Element. (158 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2004 Honda Element. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 361 kg more than 2004 Honda Element. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Honda Element is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (330 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Honda Element. (216 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Honda Element.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Honda Element | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Element | S |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2354 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1599 kg | 1960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1490 mm |
