2009 Honda Element vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190
To start off, 2009 Honda Element is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190 would be higher. At 2,463 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190 (192 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 2009 Honda Element. (166 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190 should accelerate faster than 2009 Honda Element. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Element weights approximately 164 kg more than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190.
Because 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190 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 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190 (235 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Element. (218 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Honda Element. 2009 Honda Element has automatic transmission and 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190 has manual transmission. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Honda Element will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Element | 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190 | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Element | 190 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2354 cc | 2463 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 192 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 97.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96.9 mm | 82.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1464 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 70 L |
