2008 Honda Element vs. 2003 Pontiac Vibe
To start off, 2008 Honda Element is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Pontiac Vibe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Pontiac Vibe 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 43 more horse power than 2003 Pontiac Vibe. (123 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 2003 Pontiac Vibe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Honda Element weights approximately 129 kg more than 2003 Pontiac Vibe. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Pontiac Vibe is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Honda Element. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Pontiac Vibe 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, 2008 Honda Element (218 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Pontiac Vibe. (160 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2008 Honda Element will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Pontiac Vibe. 2003 Pontiac Vibe 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. 2003 Pontiac Vibe will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Honda Element | 2003 Pontiac Vibe | |
| Make | Honda | Pontiac |
| Model | Element | Vibe |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2354 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1354 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 45 L |
