2009 Honda Element vs. 2011 Subaru Forester
To start off, 2011 Subaru Forester is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Honda Element. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Honda Element would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Subaru Forester is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Subaru Forester (170 HP) has 4 more horse power than 2009 Honda Element. (166 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Subaru Forester should accelerate faster than 2009 Honda Element. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Element weights approximately 10 kg more than 2011 Subaru Forester.
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, 2011 Subaru Forester (236 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Element. (218 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Subaru Forester will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Honda Element. 2011 Subaru Forester 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. 2011 Subaru Forester will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Element | 2011 Subaru Forester | |
| Make | Honda | Subaru |
| Model | Element | Forester |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Crossover | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2354 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 170 HP |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 4-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1484 kg | 1474 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4559 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1674 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2616 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.2 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 64 L |
