2005 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2011 Honda Element
To start off, 2011 Honda Element is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Honda Element is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Honda Element (166 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. (115 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Honda Element weights approximately 280 kg more than 2005 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, 2011 Honda Element (218 Nm) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. (172 Nm). This means 2011 Honda Element will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Volkswagen Golf | 2011 Honda Element | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Honda |
| Model | Golf | Element |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Crossover |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1982 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 166 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1314 kg | 1594 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4315 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1819 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1788 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2576 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.6 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.8 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 60 L |
