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 8 more horse power than 2008 Honda Element. (167 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2008 Honda Element. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 780 kg more than 2008 Honda Element. 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 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. 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, 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. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 2008 Honda Element has manual transmission. 2008 Honda Element will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
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 | 167 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 | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1490 mm |
