2009 Honda Element vs. 1998 Mazda 323
To start off, 2009 Honda Element is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mazda 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mazda 323 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 95 more horse power than 1998 Mazda 323. (71 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Element weights approximately 379 kg more than 1998 Mazda 323. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Honda Element is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Mazda 323. 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 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda 323. (130 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Honda Element will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Element | 1998 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Element | 323 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2354 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 21.7:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1484 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
