2008 Honda Element vs. 1981 Honda Accord
To start off, 2008 Honda Element is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Honda Accord would be higher. At 2,352 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Honda Element is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Honda Element (166 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1981 Honda Accord. (79 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Honda Element weights approximately 1060 kg more than 1981 Honda Accord. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Honda Element is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Honda Accord. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Honda Element will offer significantly more control. 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, 2008 Honda Element (218 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Accord. (126 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Honda Element will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Accord. 2008 Honda Element has automatic transmission and 1981 Honda Accord has manual transmission. 1981 Honda Accord will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Honda Element will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Honda Element | 1981 Honda Accord | |
| Make | Honda | Honda |
| Model | Element | Accord |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2352 cc | 1602 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1950 kg | 890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2390 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 50 L |
