2008 Honda Element vs. 2008 Mazda 3
To start off, both 2008 Honda Element and 2008 Mazda 3 were released in the same year (2008). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. 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 17 more horse power than 2008 Mazda 3. (149 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Honda Element weights approximately 721 kg more than 2008 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 31 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda 3. (187 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Honda Element will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda 3. 2008 Honda Element has automatic transmission and 2008 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2008 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Honda Element will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Honda Element | 2008 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Element | 3 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2354 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1956 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1770 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.7 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
