2008 Honda Element vs. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 5 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 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2008 Honda Element. (166 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 2008 Honda Element. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 6 kg more than 2008 Honda Element. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Honda Element. (218 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Honda Element. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle has automatic transmission and 2008 Honda Element has manual transmission. 2008 Honda Element will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Honda Element | 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Element | Beetle |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2354 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1354 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4277 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2537 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.2 L/100km | 6.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 9.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
