2006 Honda Element vs. 2005 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2006 Honda Element is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mazda RX-8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mazda RX-8 would be higher. At 2,360 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Honda Element is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 2006 Honda Element. (156 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2006 Honda Element. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Honda Element weights approximately 567 kg more than 2005 Mazda RX-8.
Because 2006 Honda Element is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2005 Mazda RX-8. 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, 2006 Honda Element (217 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2006 Honda Element will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda RX-8. 2006 Honda Element has automatic transmission and 2005 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2005 Mazda RX-8 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 | 2005 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Element | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2360 cc | 1307 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1992 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.7 L/100km | 11.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 61 L |
