2004 Honda Element vs. 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton 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 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton (237 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 2004 Honda Element. (153 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 2004 Honda Element. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 778 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.
Because 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Honda Element. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton 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, 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton (500 Nm) has 280 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Honda Element. (220 Nm). This means 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton 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 Phaeton | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Element | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2360 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 237 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1537 kg | 2315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 5179 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1903 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1901 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 3001 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.2 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.8 L/100km | 11.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10 L/100km | 8.5 L/100km |
