2009 Honda Element vs. 2012 Volkswagen T5
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen T5 is newer by 3 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 2,459 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen T5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda Element (166 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen T5. (129 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen T5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Element weights approximately 214 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen T5. 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, 2012 Volkswagen T5 (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Element. (218 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen T5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Honda Element. 2009 Honda Element has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen T5 has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen T5 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Honda Element will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Element | 2012 Volkswagen T5 | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Element | T5 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2353 cc | 2459 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 8 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1461 kg | 1247 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 5300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1970 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1770 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 3410 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.7 L/100km | 8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 80 L |
