2008 Honda Element vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz R
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz R 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 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz R is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz R (210 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 2008 Honda Element. (166 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz R should accelerate faster than 2008 Honda Element.
Because 2012 Mercedes-Benz R is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Honda Element. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz R 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz R (542 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 324 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Honda Element. (218 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz R will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Honda Element. 2012 Mercedes-Benz R 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 Mercedes-Benz R will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Honda Element | 2012 Mercedes-Benz R | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Element | R |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2354 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 542 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 5156 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1958 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1661 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 3216 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.2 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 80 L |
