| Model Year | 2009 | 2009 | |
| Model | BMW 1-Series | Honda Element | |
| Engine | |||
| Transmission | |||
| Drivetrain | |||
| Body | 2dr Coupe | 4dr SUV | |
| Difference | |||
| Wheelbase | 104.7 in | 101.4 in | 3.3 in |
| Length | 171.7 in | 169.9 in | 1.8 in |
| Width | 68.8 in | 71.6 in | -2.8 in |
| Height | 56.0 in | 70.4 in | -14.4 in |
| Curb Weight | 3252 lb. | 3433 lb. | -181 lb. |
| Fuel Capacity | 14.0 gal. | 15.9 gal. | -1.9 gal. |
| Headroom, Row 1 | 37.9 in | 43.3 in | -5.4 in |
| Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 54.0 in | 57.1 in | -3.1 in |
| Hip Room, Row 1 | 0.0 in | 55.0 in | -55 in |
| Legroom, Row 1 | 41.4 in | 41.0 in | 0.4 in |
| Headroom, Row 2 | 37.1 in | 38.0 in | -0.9 in |
| Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 53.4 in | 52.2 in | 1.2 in |
| Hip Room, Row 2 | 0.0 in | 47.6 in | -47.6 in |
| Legroom, Row 2 | 32.0 in | 39.1 in | -7.1 in |
| Total Legroom | 73.4 in (over 2 rows) | 80.1 in (over 2 rows) | -6.7 in |
| Cargo Volume, Minimum | 10.0 ft3 | 25.1 ft3 | -15.1 ft3 |
| Cargo Volume, Maximum | 10.0 ft3 | 74.6 ft3 | -64.6 ft3 |
| 2009 BMW 1-Series Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2009 | 2dr Coupe turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Good seats, very adjustable. see full BMW 1-Series review |
| 2008 | 2dr Coupe 230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Sport seats are great see full BMW 1-Series review |
| 2009 BMW 1-Series Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2008 | 2dr Convertible 230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Either young children for longer drives or most adults for trips below 30-40 miles each way. Just a "small car" (though with more rear-room that Lexus 250-350 4-door series!). see full BMW 1-Series review |
| 2008 | 2dr Coupe turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed manual RWD |
Impractical for adults for anything but short runs see full BMW 1-Series review |
None of our members have yet commented on the seat room and comfort of the 2009 Honda Element.