2007 Honda Element vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2007 Honda Element is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,506 cc (12 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 327 more horse power than 2007 Honda Element. (166 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2007 Honda Element. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Honda Element weights approximately 205 kg more than 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Because 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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 Mercedes-Benz SL (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 582 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Honda Element. (218 Nm @ 400 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Honda Element. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL 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. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Honda Element | 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Element | SL |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2354 cc | 5506 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1900 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1820 mm |
