2008 Honda Element vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Honda Element. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Honda Element would be higher. 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 62 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (104 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 2008 Honda Element is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. 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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Honda Element. (218 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Honda Element. 2008 Honda Element has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Golf 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 | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Element | Golf |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2354 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4534 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
