2008 Honda Element vs. 2011 BMW 520
To start off, 2011 BMW 520 is newer by 3 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 2,352 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Honda Element is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2008 Honda Element. (166 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2008 Honda Element.
Because 2008 Honda Element is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2011 BMW 520. 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, 2011 BMW 520 (380 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Honda Element. (218 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Honda Element.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Honda Element | 2011 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Honda | BMW |
| Model | Element | 520 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2352 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 70 L |
