2004 Honda Element vs. 2012 BMW 120
To start off, 2012 BMW 120 is newer by 8 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 2,354 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Honda Element is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 120 (170 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2004 Honda Element. (160 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 2004 Honda Element. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Honda Element weights approximately 50 kg more than 2012 BMW 120.
Because 2012 BMW 120 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 2012 BMW 120. 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 28 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW 120. (190 Nm). This means 2004 Honda Element will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Honda Element | 2012 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Honda | BMW |
| Model | Element | 120 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2354 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1555 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1411 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.1 L/100km | 5.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.7 L/100km | 8.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.8 L/100km | 6.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 51 L |
