2007 Honda Element vs. 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton 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 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton (237 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 2007 Honda Element. (166 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 2007 Honda Element.
Because 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2007 Honda Element. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton 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 Phaeton (500 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 282 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Honda Element. (218 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Honda Element. 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton has automatic transmission and 2007 Honda Element has manual transmission. 2007 Honda Element will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Honda Element | 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Element | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2352 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 237 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 5059 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1903 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1770 mm | 1901 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2881 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.4 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.2 L/100km | 11.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.2 L/100km | 8.5 L/100km |
