2008 Honda Element vs. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, both 2008 Honda Element and 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle were released in the same year (2008). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 2,354 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Honda Element is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Honda Element (166 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (102 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Because 2008 Honda Element is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. 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, 2008 Honda Element (218 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2008 Honda Element will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. 2008 Honda Element has automatic transmission and 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle has manual transmission. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle 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 | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Element | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2354 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 7.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
