2003 Honda Element vs. 2009 Volkswagen Routan
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Routan is newer by 6 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 3,798 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Routan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Routan (194 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 2003 Honda Element. (158 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Routan should accelerate faster than 2003 Honda Element. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Honda Element weights approximately 383 kg more than 2009 Volkswagen Routan.
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, 2009 Volkswagen Routan (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Honda Element. (216 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Routan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Honda Element.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Honda Element | 2009 Volkswagen Routan | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Element | Routan |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2352 cc | 3798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 194 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1247 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 5150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 3080 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 78 L |
