The Element may have some "platform" possibilities. It's about 5" longer in
wheelbase than the Vanagon. Shorter by about 10" overall and very similar in
track dimensions. I was in one last weekend and they "feel" much smaller
inside than the "doors" open make them look from a distance. The 4 valves
per must help the power/performance quite a bit. 160 hp and 161 torque.
http://www.hondacars.com/models/specifications.asp?ModelName=Element
Bob Stevens

http://groups.msn.com/BobsPhotoShare

----- Original Message -----
From: "Leon Korkin" <korkwood@WSHOST.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Tuesday, June 24, 2003 8:26 AM
Subject: Re: SUV Bashing) was Think Positive to start your new year

> On Tue, 24 Jun 2003 09:19:54 EDT, Mark Fitzsimons <Mfgavia@AOL.COM> wrote:
>
> > In a message dated 6/24/03 2:54:28 AM Pacific Daylight Time,
> > steeles@HORIZONVIEW.NET writes:
> >
> > << My 26 yo son recently forwarded a brochure to me for the first SUV
> > that I
> > would ever even think about owning...  a H*nda Element. >>
> >
> > SUV???  Perception is an interesting thing......
> >
> > My neighbor has one of these and after looking at it from a distance and
> > close up I still only see a very efficiently designed MINI-VAN.
>
> All those "minivans" and other similar vehicles are simply STATIONWAGONS
> on
> steroids.
> New SUVs are "loaded" with luxuries to maximize manufacturers profits and
> hide their truck nature.
> "Fashion statements","cool", lot of them driven by teenagers who kill
> themselves and others due to
> total lack of driving skills and parental guidance.
> New "Honda Element" actualy not so new in terms of looks,
> there has been FIAT Multipla for over 5 years in Europe. Leon
> 85 Subwagen
>
> >
> > mark
> >
> >
>
>
>
> --
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