2009 BMW 120 vs. 2003 Honda Element
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Honda Element. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Honda Element would be higher. At 2,352 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Honda Element is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 120 (168 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2003 Honda Element. (158 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 2003 Honda Element. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Honda Element weights approximately 105 kg more than 2009 BMW 120.
Because 2009 BMW 120 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2009 BMW 120. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Honda Element, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2003 Honda Element (216 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 120. (210 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2003 Honda Element will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 2003 Honda Element | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 120 | Element |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2352 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 99 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 60 L |
