2008 Honda Element vs. 2012 Chevrolet Sonic
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Sonic is newer by 4 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 28 more horse power than 2012 Chevrolet Sonic. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 2012 Chevrolet Sonic.
Because 2008 Honda Element is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Chevrolet Sonic. 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 49 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Chevrolet Sonic. (169 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2008 Honda Element will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Chevrolet Sonic. 2012 Chevrolet Sonic has automatic transmission and 2008 Honda Element has manual transmission. 2008 Honda Element will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Chevrolet Sonic will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Honda Element | 2012 Chevrolet Sonic | |
| Make | Honda | Chevrolet |
| Model | Element | Sonic |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2353 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.2 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 46 L |
