2005 Honda Element vs. 2007 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2007 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 2 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 2,360 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Honda Element is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2005 Honda Element. (160 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2005 Honda Element. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Honda Element weights approximately 205 kg more than 2007 Mazda RX-8.
Because 2007 Mazda RX-8 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 2007 Mazda RX-8. 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, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Honda Element. (216 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2007 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Honda Element.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Honda Element | 2007 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Element | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2360 cc | 1306 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 61 L |
