2006 Honda Element vs. 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2006 Honda Element is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle 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 (157 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. (74 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Honda Element weights approximately 652 kg more than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Honda Element is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. 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 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. (127 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2006 Honda Element will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. 2006 Honda Element has automatic transmission and 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle has manual transmission. 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle 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 | 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Element | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2360 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 157 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1990 kg | 1338 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.7 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
