2006 Honda Element vs. 2004 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Honda Element is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 3,196 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen Golf (238 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 2006 Honda Element. (156 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2006 Honda Element. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Honda Element weights approximately 442 kg more than 2004 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 2006 Honda Element is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 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, 2004 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Honda Element. (217 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Honda Element.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Honda Element | 2004 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Element | Golf |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2360 cc | 3196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1990 kg | 1548 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.4 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.2 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 62 L |
