2004 Honda Element vs. 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, both 2004 Honda Element and 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle were released in the same year (2004). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 2,360 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Honda Element is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Honda Element (153 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. (150 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Honda Element weights approximately 101 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, both vehicles can yield 220 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Honda Element | 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Element | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2360 cc | 1786 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1537 kg | 1436 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.2 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.8 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
