2006 Honda Element vs. 2009 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2009 Nissan Altima 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 3,490 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Altima (270 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 2006 Honda Element. (156 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2006 Honda Element. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Honda Element weights approximately 913 kg more than 2009 Nissan Altima.
Because 2006 Honda Element is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Nissan Altima. 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, 2009 Nissan Altima (350 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Honda Element. (217 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Honda Element.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Honda Element | 2009 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Honda | Nissan |
| Model | Element | Altima |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2359 cc | 3490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1990 kg | 1077 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.4 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.2 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.2 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 76 L |
