2007 Honda Element vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Honda Element. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 Honda Element would be higher. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2007 Honda Element. (166 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 2007 Honda Element. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Honda Element weights approximately 590 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta.
Because 2007 Honda Element is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Honda Element. (218 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Honda Element. 2007 Honda Element has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Jetta has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Honda Element will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Honda Element | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Element | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2354 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1990 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4644 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1482 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2651 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.1 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.2 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
