2008 Honda Element vs. 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2008 Honda Element is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Volkswagen Jetta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Volkswagen Jetta would be higher. At 2,352 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Honda Element is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Jetta (177 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2008 Honda Element. (166 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 2008 Honda Element. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Honda Element weights approximately 670 kg more than 2005 Volkswagen Jetta.
Because 2008 Honda Element is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2005 Volkswagen Jetta. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2005 Volkswagen Jetta (235 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Honda Element. (218 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Honda Element. 2008 Honda Element has automatic transmission and 2005 Volkswagen Jetta has manual transmission. 2005 Volkswagen Jetta 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 | 2005 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Element | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2352 cc | 1712 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1950 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
