2006 Honda Element vs. 2008 Kia Carens
To start off, 2008 Kia Carens is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Honda Element. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Honda Element 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 18 more horse power than 2008 Kia Carens. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 2008 Kia Carens. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Honda Element weights approximately 359 kg more than 2008 Kia Carens. 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 2008 Kia Carens. 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, 2008 Kia Carens (305 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Honda Element. (217 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Kia Carens will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Honda Element.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Honda Element | 2008 Kia Carens | |
| Make | Honda | Kia |
| Model | Element | Carens |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2359 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 17.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1990 kg | 1631 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.2 L/100km | 6.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
