2006 Honda Element vs. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 5 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, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2006 Honda Element. (156 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2006 Honda Element. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Honda Element weights approximately 865 kg more than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 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, 2006 Honda Element (218 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2006 Honda Element will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Honda Element | 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Element | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2360 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1990 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2329 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.1 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.7 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 48 L |
