2004 Honda Element vs. 2006 Smart Roadster
To start off, 2006 Smart Roadster is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Honda Element. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Honda Element would be higher. At 2,360 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Honda Element is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Honda Element (160 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 2006 Smart Roadster. (100 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 2006 Smart Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Honda Element weights approximately 541 kg more than 2006 Smart Roadster. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Smart Roadster 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 Smart Roadster. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2004 Honda Element (218 Nm) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Smart Roadster. (130 Nm). This means 2004 Honda Element will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Smart Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Honda Element | 2006 Smart Roadster | |
| Make | Honda | Smart |
| Model | Element | Roadster |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2360 cc | 696 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 66.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 67 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1511 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 3430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2370 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.2 L/100km | 5.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 35 L |
