2006 Honda Element vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2006 Honda Element is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK would be higher. At 2,360 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Honda Element is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Honda Element (156 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (134 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 195 kg more than 2006 Honda Element.
Because 1997 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 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 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, 2006 Honda Element (217 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (190 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Honda Element will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 2006 Honda Element has automatic transmission and 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK has manual transmission. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Honda Element will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Honda Element | 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Element | SLK |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2360 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1075 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2410 mm |
