2008 Honda Element vs. 2009 Subaru Legacy
To start off, 2009 Subaru Legacy 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 2,457 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Subaru Legacy is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Subaru Legacy (168 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2008 Honda Element. (166 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Subaru Legacy should accelerate faster than 2008 Honda Element.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or 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 48 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Subaru Legacy. (170 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2008 Honda Element will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Subaru Legacy. 2008 Honda Element has automatic transmission and 2009 Subaru Legacy has manual transmission. 2009 Subaru Legacy 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 Subaru Legacy | |
| Make | Honda | Subaru |
| Model | Element | Legacy |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2354 cc | 2457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1740 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.8 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
