2006 Honda Element vs. 2004 Mazda 3
To start off, 2006 Honda Element is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mazda 3 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 52 more horse power than 2004 Mazda 3. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda 3 weights approximately 387 kg more than 2006 Honda Element.
Because 2006 Honda Element is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Mazda 3. 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, 2004 Mazda 3 (230 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Honda Element. (217 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2004 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Honda Element.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Honda Element | 2004 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Element | 3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2359 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 16.7:1 | 18.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 853 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.7 L/100km | 5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
