2006 Honda Element vs. 1997 Honda Step Wagon
To start off, 2006 Honda Element is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Honda Step Wagon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Honda Step Wagon would be higher. At 2,359 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Honda Element is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Honda Element (156 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1997 Honda Step Wagon. (123 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 1997 Honda Step Wagon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Honda Step Wagon weights approximately 375 kg more than 2006 Honda Element.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Honda Element (217 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Honda Step Wagon. (186 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2006 Honda Element will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Honda Step Wagon.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Honda Element | 1997 Honda Step Wagon | |
| Make | Honda | Honda |
| Model | Element | Step Wagon |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2359 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1075 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1840 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2810 mm |
