2009 Honda Element vs. 2011 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Sharan is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Honda Element. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Honda Element would be higher. At 2,353 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Honda Element is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Sharan (1,973 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 1807 more horse power than 2009 Honda Element. (166 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Sharan should accelerate faster than 2009 Honda Element. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 329 kg more than 2009 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, 2011 Volkswagen Sharan (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Element. (218 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Sharan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Honda Element.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Element | 2011 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Element | Sharan |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2353 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 1973 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1461 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4854 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1904 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1770 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2919 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.4 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 11.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.7 L/100km | 8.5 L/100km |
