2009 Honda Element vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz G
To start off, 2009 Honda Element is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercedes-Benz G. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercedes-Benz G would be higher. At 2,354 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Honda Element is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda Element (166 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1980 Mercedes-Benz G. (125 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercedes-Benz G. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz G weights approximately 446 kg more than 2009 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, 2009 Honda Element (218 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercedes-Benz G. (192 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Honda Element will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercedes-Benz G.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Element | 1980 Mercedes-Benz G | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Element | G |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Crossover | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2354 cc | 2299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 192 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1484 kg | 1930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1940 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2860 mm |
