2009 Honda Element vs. 2012 Honda Civic
To start off, 2012 Honda Civic is newer by 3 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 2,353 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Honda Element is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda Element (166 HP) has 28 more horse power than 2012 Honda Civic. (138 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 2012 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Element weights approximately 141 kg more than 2012 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Honda Civic. (174 Nm). This means 2009 Honda Element will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Element | 2012 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Honda | Honda |
| Model | Element | Civic |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2353 cc | 1799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 138 HP |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1461 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1785 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1770 mm | 1460 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.4 L/100km | 5.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 8.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.7 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
