2007 Honda Element vs. 2011 BMW 520
To start off, 2011 BMW 520 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Honda Element. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 Honda Element would be higher. At 2,354 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Honda Element is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2007 Honda Element. (166 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2007 Honda Element. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Honda Element weights approximately 166 kg more than 2011 BMW 520.
Because 2011 BMW 520 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 2011 BMW 520. 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, 2011 BMW 520 (270 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Honda Element. (218 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Honda Element.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Honda Element | 2011 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Honda | BMW |
| Model | Element | 520 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2354 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1956 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1770 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 70 L |
