2006 Honda Element vs. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Honda Element. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Honda Element would be higher. At 2,354 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Honda Element is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle (168 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2006 Honda Element. (156 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 2006 Honda Element. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 265 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.
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, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle (220 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Honda Element. (217 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Honda Element.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Honda Element | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Element | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2354 cc | 2323 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1075 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.5 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
