2006 Honda Element vs. 2012 BMW 120
To start off, 2012 BMW 120 is newer by 6 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 2,354 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Honda Element is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 120 (176 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2006 Honda Element. (156 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 2006 Honda Element. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 120 weights approximately 365 kg more than 2006 Honda Element. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 BMW 120 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 2012 BMW 120. 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, 2012 BMW 120 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Honda Element. (217 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Honda Element.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Honda Element | 2012 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Honda | BMW |
| Model | Element | 120 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2354 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 176 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1075 kg | 1440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4239 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1421 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.2 L/100km | 5.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.4 L/100km | 6.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.5 L/100km | 4.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 51 L |
