2006 Honda Element vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380
To start off, 2006 Honda Element is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 would be higher. At 3,818 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 (218 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 2006 Honda Element. (156 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 should accelerate faster than 2006 Honda Element. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Honda Element weights approximately 430 kg more than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380.
Because 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 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 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. 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, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Honda Element. (218 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Honda Element.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Honda Element | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Element | 380 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2360 cc | 3818 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 218 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 71.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1990 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 90 L |
