2008 Honda Element vs. 2006 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Honda Element is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,354 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Honda Element is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Passat (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 2008 Honda Element. (166 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2008 Honda Element. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Honda Element weights approximately 456 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Passat.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than 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, 2006 Volkswagen Passat (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Honda Element. (218 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Honda Element. 2008 Honda Element has automatic transmission and 2006 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2006 Volkswagen Passat 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 | 2006 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Element | Passat |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2354 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1956 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1770 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.7 L/100km | 8.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 70 L |
