2004 Honda Element vs. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 4 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 20 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (140 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Honda Element weights approximately 371 kg more than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 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 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (168 Nm). This means 2004 Honda Element will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Honda Element | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Element | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2360 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1511 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.2 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 50 L |
