2006 Honda Element vs. 1980 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Honda Element is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,359 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Honda Element is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Honda Element (156 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Golf. (53 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 22 kg more than 2006 Honda Element.
Because 2006 Honda Element is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Honda Element 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, 2006 Honda Element (217 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Golf. (100 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2006 Honda Element will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Honda Element | 1980 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Element | Golf |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2359 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 16.7:1 | 23.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 853 kg | 875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 40 L |
