2003 Honda Element vs. 2001 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2003 Honda Element is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,352 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Honda Element is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Volkswagen Golf (168 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2003 Honda Element. (158 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2003 Honda Element. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Honda Element weights approximately 375 kg more than 2001 Volkswagen Golf.
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, 2001 Volkswagen Golf (225 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Honda Element. (216 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2001 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Honda Element.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Honda Element | 2001 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Element | Golf |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2352 cc | 2324 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1255 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2520 mm |
