2006 Honda Element vs. 1980 Volkswagen Passat
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 Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,360 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Honda Element is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Honda Element (156 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (85 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Honda Element weights approximately 1070 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. 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, 2006 Honda Element (217 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (126 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2006 Honda Element will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. 2006 Honda Element has automatic transmission and 1980 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1980 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Honda Element will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Honda Element | 1980 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Element | Passat |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2360 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1990 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 45 L |
