2007 Honda Element vs. 1997 Acura RL
To start off, 2007 Honda Element is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Acura RL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Acura RL would be higher. At 3,472 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Acura RL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Acura RL (205 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 2007 Honda Element. (166 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Acura RL should accelerate faster than 2007 Honda Element.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than 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, 1997 Acura RL (304 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Honda Element. (218 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Acura RL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Honda Element. 1997 Acura RL has automatic transmission and 2007 Honda Element has manual transmission. 2007 Honda Element will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Acura RL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Honda Element | 1997 Acura RL | |
| Make | Honda | Acura |
| Model | Element | RL |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2352 cc | 3472 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 205 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1770 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2920 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 50 L |
