2005 Honda Element vs. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190
To start off, 2005 Honda Element is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 would be higher. At 2,461 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 (235 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 2005 Honda Element. (160 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 should accelerate faster than 2005 Honda Element. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Honda Element weights approximately 290 kg more than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190.
Because 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 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 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 (246 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Honda Element. (216 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Honda Element.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Honda Element | 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Element | 190 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2360 cc | 2461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 235 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7200 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 246 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 97.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 82.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 70 L |
