2006 Honda Element vs. 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2006 Honda Element is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton would be higher. At 3,189 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton (237 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 2006 Honda Element. (156 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 2006 Honda Element. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 920 kg more than 2006 Honda Element. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Honda Element, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton (310 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Honda Element. (217 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Honda Element. 2006 Honda Element has automatic transmission and 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton has manual transmission. 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton 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 | 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Element | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2360 cc | 3189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 237 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 95.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1075 kg | 1995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.2 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.8 L/100km | 16.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10 L/100km | 11.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 90 L |
