2004 Honda Element vs. 2002 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2004 Honda Element is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 3,196 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Volkswagen Golf (238 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 2004 Honda Element. (153 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2004 Honda Element. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 11 kg more than 2004 Honda Element. 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, 2002 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Honda Element. (220 Nm). This means 2002 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Honda Element.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Honda Element | 2002 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Element | Golf |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2360 cc | 3196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1537 kg | 1548 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.2 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.8 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 62 L |
