2006 Honda Element vs. 1998 Toyota MR2
To start off, 2006 Honda Element is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Toyota MR2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Toyota MR2 would be higher. At 2,360 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Honda Element is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Toyota MR2 (173 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2006 Honda Element. (156 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 2006 Honda Element. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Honda Element weights approximately 755 kg more than 1998 Toyota MR2.
Because 1998 Toyota MR2 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 1998 Toyota MR2. 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 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Toyota MR2. (186 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2006 Honda Element will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Toyota MR2. 2006 Honda Element has automatic transmission and 1998 Toyota MR2 has manual transmission. 1998 Toyota MR2 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 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | Honda | Toyota |
| Model | Element | MR2 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2360 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 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 | 1990 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 70 L |
