2004 Honda Element vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 8 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 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2004 Honda Element. (160 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 2004 Honda Element. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Honda Element weights approximately 111 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta.
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, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (240 Nm) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Honda Element. (218 Nm). This means 2012 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Honda Element.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Honda Element | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Element | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2360 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1511 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4644 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1482 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2651 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.1 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.2 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
