2008 Honda Element vs. 1999 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Honda Element is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,789 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Volkswagen Golf (201 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 2008 Honda Element. (166 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2008 Honda Element. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 120 kg more than 2008 Honda Element. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Honda Element. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Golf 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, 1999 Volkswagen Golf (285 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Honda Element. (218 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1999 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Honda Element.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Honda Element | 1999 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Element | Golf |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2354 cc | 2789 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1770 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
