unclejemima

Interesting statement, yes. We've owned a 08 Element since new. Back then I had a post on EOC with an easter egg about the 08's specifically having "20% more rear torque" than the previous model. Nothing ever came of this thread...so not sure if was marketing baloney.

2008 have "more rear torque"??? - Page 2 - Honda Element Owners Club Forum

​​​​​​What I do know is the Element can do a powerslide in the snow, All. Day. Long. I live in Northern Canada, and there are many snowy parking lots. The element drives like it has 40/60 Fr/Re torque distribution. Its epic.

Then there is my 06 CRV that I just purchased...its also a 5spd auto but has the lower 156hp motor, instead of the 166 the 08 element has. I "assumed" the CRV would have the same AWD system, as that was upgrade/improved in the 2005 CRV.

The Element was a bit odd as it didnt get the 5spd auto till 2007, where the CRV got it 2 years earlier. Both received the 166hp engine in 2007.

I always though the mechanicals on these things were identical. Anyone know of changes to the AWD system in these models? Heck does anyone have a 07/08 CRV that they can vouch for its "power sliding" ability?

unclejemima

Not sure how active this forum is...but I'd imagine there must be a few enthusiast CRV owners out there who've dipped into the throttle while driving in the snow...can you get your back end out?

TyGuy88

My wife's 02 slides nicely in the snow. I confess I've gotten plenty between 08 and 16 slideways on the lot and they are just as controllable. Can't say I've ever played in an element though so I can't compare. Hopefully we'll have one of our own in the next few years.

unclejemima

Thanks for the reply.

Your wifes 02 is first year of the 2nd gen. Theoretically if you can slide the 02, I should be able to slide my 06 as well...but if I apply full throttle and turn all it does is understeer...the front wheels are always getting about 70% of power meaning the back can never come out on its own.

My 08 element the rear wheels can get more than 50% power because I'm able to kick the rear out with applying power.

I wish I was able to try someone elses CRV to see if its just mine?

TyGuy88

Diff fluid changes up to date? That can really impact rear wheel operation.

unclejemima

Yea, just had them done. Only has 60k miles on a 06...pretty low km.

Perhaps its just the year. I'll have to try out my buddies 03 and see how it works

Mathieu Lamothe

The 2005-2006 CRV have revised 4WD activation because of the VSA. The engagement is quicker preventing the dift caused by the front wheel spinning and the rear pushing.
2002-2004 crv can drift like the 1st gen.
The 02-04 diff engage quicker and stronger than the 1st gen tanks to revised clutch material pattern

The honda element have the same rear diff as the 1 st gen crv.

CRV 02-03 carrier 41010-PNZ-345
CRV 2001- carrier 41010-P6R-345
CRV 05-06 carrier 41010-RRL-020
CRV 07-10 carrier 41010-R09-000
Element 03-11 carrier 41010-P6R-345

BigBerz

I try to powerslide but the front seems to just slide out rather than the back engaging. As well as soon as you let off the gas you lose the rear spin from my limited "play time" I think I'll do my diff fluid soon and see if that makes any difference. I'm in Northern BC so I see a lot of snow as well and I will say the RT4WD is virtually undetectable when it engages going up the hill to my house. Sometimes I wish there was an indicator light letting you know the rear diff is engaged or not.

Berz out.

Mathieu Lamothe

Here in Montreal Quebec canada a play a lot with my 03 cr-v in the snow.

Check for the oil is not bad to change it. Maybe it gonna help.

BigBerz

Ok here is my opinion now I've owned both. My RD1 took effort to get the back end out. If I didn't start at full lock on the wheel it would understeer and not swing the back around.
Now with my Element the back end kicks out very easily. It's actually fun to slide the *** around in the snow and icy conditions here. I don't know what the factors are in this, Wheel base and weight distribution but the Element is way funner to drive in the snow.

Berz out.

Occidentalis

Haha! You can slide your 06. VSA will kill it - make sure it's off. Put some gas in on the tight turn and the back end will go out. Sustained use of the 4wd system will overheat it pretty quick and shut it off though, so don't be surprised if you can't do it for very long.