2006 Honda Element vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2006 Honda Element is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mercedes-Benz C. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mercedes-Benz C would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (268 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 2006 Honda Element. (156 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2006 Honda Element. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Honda Element weights approximately 440 kg more than 2005 Mercedes-Benz C.
Because 2005 Mercedes-Benz C 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 2005 Mercedes-Benz C. 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (350 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Honda Element. (217 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Honda Element.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Honda Element | 2005 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Element | C |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2360 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 92.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1990 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2920 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 62 L |
