2008 Honda Element vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 Honda Element is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 2008 Honda Element. (166 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2008 Honda Element. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Honda Element weights approximately 66 kg more than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Because 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (461 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 243 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Honda Element. (218 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Honda Element.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Honda Element | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Element | SL |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2354 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 461 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1956 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1770 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.4 L/100km | 9.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 17.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.7 L/100km | 12.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 80 L |
