2006 Honda Element vs. 2012 Subaru Outback
To start off, 2012 Subaru Outback 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Subaru Outback is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Subaru Outback (170 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2006 Honda Element. (156 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Subaru Outback should accelerate faster than 2006 Honda Element. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Honda Element weights approximately 437 kg more than 2012 Subaru Outback.
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 Subaru Outback (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Honda Element. (217 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Subaru Outback 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 Subaru Outback has manual transmission. 2012 Subaru Outback 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 Subaru Outback | |
| Make | Honda | Subaru |
| Model | Element | Outback |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2360 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1992 kg | 1555 kg |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.8 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.2 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 70 L |
