2009 Honda Element vs. 2005 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2009 Honda Element is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Smart ForTwo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Smart ForTwo would be higher. At 2,353 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Honda Element is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda Element (166 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 2005 Smart ForTwo. (74 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 2005 Smart ForTwo.
Because 2005 Smart ForTwo 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 2005 Smart ForTwo. 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, 2009 Honda Element (218 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Smart ForTwo. (110 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2009 Honda Element will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Smart ForTwo. 2009 Honda Element has automatic transmission and 2005 Smart ForTwo has manual transmission. 2005 Smart ForTwo 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 | 2005 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Honda | Smart |
| Model | Element | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2353 cc | 698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1770 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 1820 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.7 L/100km | 5.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 33 L |
