2008 Honda Element vs. 2009 BMW 530
To start off, 2009 BMW 530 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Honda Element. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Honda Element would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 530 (215 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 2008 Honda Element. (166 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 2008 Honda Element. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Honda Element weights approximately 196 kg more than 2009 BMW 530.
Because 2009 BMW 530 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 2009 BMW 530. 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, 2009 BMW 530 (500 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 282 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Honda Element. (218 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Honda Element.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Honda Element | 2009 BMW 530 | |
| Make | Honda | BMW |
| Model | Element | 530 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2354 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1956 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1770 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.7 L/100km | 8.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 70 L |
