2005 Honda Element vs. 2006 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Honda Element. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Honda Element would be higher. At 2,360 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Honda Element is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Honda Element (160 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. (74 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Honda Element weights approximately 415 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. 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, 2005 Honda Element (216 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. (140 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2005 Honda Element will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Honda Element | 2006 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Element | Golf |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2360 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
