2008 Honda Element vs. 2005 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Honda Element is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,354 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Honda Element is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Honda Element (166 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. (67 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Honda Element weights approximately 670 kg more than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. 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, 2008 Honda Element (218 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. (133 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2008 Honda Element will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. 2008 Honda Element has automatic transmission and 2005 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2005 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Honda Element will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Honda Element | 2005 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Element | Golf |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2354 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 67 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 19.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1950 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.8 L/100km | 5.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
