2006 Honda Element vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2006 Honda Element is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S (157 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2006 Honda Element. (156 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2006 Honda Element. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Honda Element weights approximately 380 kg more than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S.
Because 1978 Mercedes-Benz S 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 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Honda Element. (217 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Honda Element.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Honda Element | 1978 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Element | S |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2360 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1990 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 85 L |
