2005 Honda Element vs. 2013 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 8 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 (161 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 2013 Volkswagen Golf. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 2013 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Honda Element weights approximately 179 kg more than 2013 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, 2013 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Honda Element. (218 Nm). This means 2013 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Honda Element. 2005 Honda Element has automatic transmission and 2013 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2013 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Honda Element will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Honda Element | 2013 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Element | Golf |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2360 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 16.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1537 kg | 1358 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4201 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.1 L/100km | 4.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.7 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
