2006 Honda Element vs. 2003 Saturn L
To start off, 2006 Honda Element is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Saturn L. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Saturn L would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Saturn L is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Saturn L (180 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 2006 Honda Element. (156 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Saturn L should accelerate faster than 2006 Honda Element. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Saturn L weights approximately 467 kg more than 2006 Honda Element. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Honda Element is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Saturn L. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Honda Element will offer significantly more control. 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, 2003 Saturn L (257 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Honda Element. (217 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Saturn L will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Honda Element. 2003 Saturn L has automatic transmission and 2006 Honda Element has manual transmission. 2006 Honda Element will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Saturn L will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Honda Element | 2003 Saturn L | |
| Make | Honda | Saturn |
| Model | Element | L |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2359 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 257 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 853 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 59 L |
