2004 Honda Element vs. 2011 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Honda Element. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Honda Element would be higher. At 2,353 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Honda Element is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Honda Element (158 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. (89 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Honda Element weights approximately 259 kg more than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Honda Element is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Honda Element will offer significantly more control. 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, 2011 Volkswagen Golf (230 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Honda Element. (217 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2011 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 | 2011 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Element | Golf |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2353 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1573 kg | 1314 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.8 L/100km | 3.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.2 L/100km | 5.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.7 L/100km | 4.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
