2006 Honda Element vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Honda Element is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Golf 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 6 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (150 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 137 kg more than 2006 Honda Element.
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 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (202 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2006 Honda Element will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. 2006 Honda Element has automatic transmission and 1997 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1997 Volkswagen Golf 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 | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Element | Golf |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2360 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 202 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1075 kg | 1212 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.2 L/100km | 6.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.8 L/100km | 10.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
