2008 Honda Element vs. 1996 Toyota MR2
To start off, 2008 Honda Element is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Toyota MR2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Toyota MR2 would be higher. At 2,354 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Honda Element is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Honda Element (166 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1996 Toyota MR2. (74 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 1996 Toyota MR2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Toyota MR2 weights approximately 261 kg more than 2008 Honda Element.
Because 1996 Toyota MR2 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 Toyota MR2. 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, 2008 Honda Element (218 Nm) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Toyota MR2. (131 Nm). This means 2008 Honda Element will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Toyota MR2.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Honda Element | 1996 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | Honda | Toyota |
| Model | Element | MR2 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2354 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 131 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1354 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 75 L |
