2009 Honda Element vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2009 Honda Element is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mercedes-Benz A. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mercedes-Benz A 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 43 more horse power than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A. (123 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 566 kg more than 2009 Honda Element.
Because 2009 Honda Element is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Honda Element (218 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Honda Element will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A. 1997 Mercedes-Benz A has automatic transmission and 2009 Honda Element has manual transmission. 2009 Honda Element will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Mercedes-Benz A will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Element | 1997 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Element | A |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2354 cc | 1898 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1484 kg | 2050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 3580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.2 L/100km | 6.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 11.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 8.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 54 L |
