2009 Honda Element vs. 2012 Toyota 4Runner
To start off, 2012 Toyota 4Runner 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 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Toyota 4Runner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Toyota 4Runner (270 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 2009 Honda Element. (166 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota 4Runner should accelerate faster than 2009 Honda Element. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota 4Runner weights approximately 589 kg more than 2009 Honda Element. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Toyota 4Runner 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 2012 Toyota 4Runner. 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, 2012 Toyota 4Runner (376 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Element. (218 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Toyota 4Runner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Honda Element.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Element | 2012 Toyota 4Runner | |
| Make | Honda | Toyota |
| Model | Element | 4Runner |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Crossover | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2354 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 376 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1464 kg | 2053 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4823 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1925 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1816 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2789 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.4 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 87 L |
