2009 Honda Element vs. 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan 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 2,354 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Honda Element is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda Element (167 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan. (108 HP @ 2750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Element weights approximately 407 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Honda Element is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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 Tiguan (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Element. (218 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan 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 Tiguan has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan 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 Tiguan | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Element | Tiguan |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Crossover | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2354 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| 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 Weight | 1950 kg | 1543 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4426 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1809 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1703 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2604 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.8 L/100km | 4.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 6.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 5.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 64 L |
