2008 Honda Element vs. 2009 Honda Civic
To start off, 2009 Honda Civic 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 2,354 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Honda Element is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Honda Element (166 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2009 Honda Civic. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 2009 Honda Civic.
Because 2008 Honda Element is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Honda Civic. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Honda Element 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 43 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Civic. (175 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2008 Honda Element will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Honda Civic. 2008 Honda Element has automatic transmission and 2009 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 2009 Honda Civic 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 | 2009 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Honda | Honda |
| Model | Element | Civic |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2354 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 6.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 50 L |
