2003 Honda Element vs. 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Honda Element. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Honda Element would be higher. At 2,352 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Honda Element is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Honda Element (158 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. (100 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Honda Element weights approximately 316 kg more than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. 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, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle (240 Nm) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Honda Element. (216 Nm). This means 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Honda Element.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Honda Element | 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Element | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2352 cc | 1967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1314 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
