2008 Honda Element vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2008 Honda Element is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (175 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2008 Honda Element. (166 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2008 Honda Element.
Because 1996 Mercedes-Benz S 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 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (330 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Honda Element. (218 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Honda Element.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Honda Element | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Element | S |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2354 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1490 mm |
