2006 Honda Element vs. 1998 Kia Retona
To start off, 2006 Honda Element is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Kia Retona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Kia Retona 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 66 more horse power than 1998 Kia Retona. (90 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 1998 Kia Retona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Honda Element weights approximately 122 kg more than 1998 Kia Retona. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Kia Retona. (205 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2006 Honda Element will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Kia Retona. 2006 Honda Element has automatic transmission and 1998 Kia Retona has manual transmission. 1998 Kia Retona 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 | 1998 Kia Retona | |
| Make | Honda | Kia |
| Model | Element | Retona |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Crossover | SUV |
| 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 | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1992 kg | 1870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1840 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2370 mm |
