2006 Honda Element vs. 2011 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2011 Mazda RX-8 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 RX-8 (212 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 2006 Honda Element. (156 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2006 Honda Element. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Honda Element weights approximately 579 kg more than 2011 Mazda RX-8.
Because 2011 Mazda RX-8 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 RX-8. 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 3 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda RX-8. (215 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2006 Honda Element will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Honda Element | 2011 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Element | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2360 cc | 1300 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 212 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7500 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1990 kg | 1411 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1341 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2703 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.1 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.7 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 64 L |
