2006 Honda Element vs. 2012 Nissan Frontier
To start off, 2012 Nissan Frontier 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 3,954 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Frontier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Frontier (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 2006 Honda Element. (156 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Frontier should accelerate faster than 2006 Honda Element. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Frontier weights approximately 50 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.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Nissan Frontier (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 164 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Honda Element. (217 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Honda Element. 2006 Honda Element has automatic transmission and 2012 Nissan Frontier has manual transmission. 2012 Nissan Frontier will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Honda Element will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Honda Element | 2012 Nissan Frontier | |
| Make | Honda | Nissan |
| Model | Element | Frontier |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2360 cc | 3954 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 16.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1992 kg | 2042 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 5230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 3200 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.8 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.2 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.7 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 80 L |
