2008 Honda Element vs. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 2008 Honda Element is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 (265 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 2008 Honda Element. (166 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 2008 Honda Element. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Honda Element weights approximately 335 kg more than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500.
Because 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 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 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 (404 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 186 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Honda Element. (218 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Honda Element.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Honda Element | 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Element | 500 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2354 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 404 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1950 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2810 mm |
