2006 Honda Element vs. 2006 Mazda 3
To start off, both 2006 Honda Element and 2006 Mazda 3 were released in the same year (2006). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 2,360 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Honda Element is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Honda Element (157 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2006 Mazda 3. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Honda Element weights approximately 680 kg more than 2006 Mazda 3. 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 2006 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, 2006 Honda Element (217 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda 3. (187 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Honda Element will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda 3. 2006 Honda Element has automatic transmission and 2006 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2006 Mazda 3 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 | 2006 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Element | 3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2360 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 157 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1990 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4430 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 | 8.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
