2010 Honda Element vs. 2012 BMW 535
To start off, 2012 BMW 535 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2010 Honda Element. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2010 Honda Element would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 535 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 2010 Honda Element. (166 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 2010 Honda Element. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 535 weights approximately 251 kg more than 2010 Honda Element. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 BMW 535 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 BMW 535. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 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 BMW 535 (406 Nm @ 1300 RPM) has 188 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Honda Element. (218 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Honda Element.
Compare all specifications:
| 2010 Honda Element | 2012 BMW 535 | |
| Make | Honda | BMW |
| Model | Element | 535 |
| Year Released | 2010 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2400 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1594 kg | 1845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4315 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1819 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1788 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2576 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.4 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 70 L |
