2005 Honda Element vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Honda Element. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Honda Element would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK (268 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 2005 Honda Element. (160 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 2005 Honda Element. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 155 kg more than 2005 Honda Element. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK (510 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 294 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Honda Element. (216 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Honda Element.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Honda Element | 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Element | SLK |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2360 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 97.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 70 L |
