2008 Honda Element vs. 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2008 Honda Element is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton would be higher. At 4,171 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton (330 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 164 more horse power than 2008 Honda Element. (166 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 2008 Honda Element.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or 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, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton (430 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 212 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Honda Element. (218 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Honda Element. 2008 Honda Element has automatic transmission and 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton has manual transmission. 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Honda Element will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Honda Element | 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Element | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2354 cc | 4171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 330 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 430 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 90 L |
