2006 Honda Element vs. 2009 Mazda 3
To start off, 2009 Mazda 3 is newer by 3 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 2,360 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Honda Element is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Honda Element (156 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2009 Mazda 3. (145 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Honda Element weights approximately 748 kg more than 2009 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 2009 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 36 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda 3. (181 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Honda Element will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Honda Element | 2009 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Element | 3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2360 cc | 1998 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 181 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 | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1990 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.2 L/100km | 10.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
