2008 Honda Element vs. 2009 Nissan Versa
To start off, 2009 Nissan Versa 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 2,353 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Honda Element is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Honda Element (166 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 2009 Nissan Versa. (120 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 2009 Nissan Versa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Versa weights approximately 262 kg more than 2008 Honda Element.
Because 2008 Honda Element is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Nissan Versa. 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 91 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Nissan Versa. (127 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2008 Honda Element will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Nissan Versa.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Honda Element | 2009 Nissan Versa | |
| Make | Honda | Nissan |
| Model | Element | Versa |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2353 cc | 1799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1442 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.2 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 50 L |
