If the Element actually had similar dimensions and layout as or Vanagons, it
might be potentially outstanding.  But it doesn't.  Indeed, it is a small
SUV, and Honda will market it as such. Yes, maybe it has some small minivan
features, and is fairly space efficient and flexible.  Note that they never
show those four mountain bikers, surfers etc all loaded up and traveling
with their gear.  It's too small for me, and will never replace my Westy.

My fondest hope is that someone other than Winnebago will outfit the T5 like
a Westy on the short-wheelbase chassis, and that I can afford one.  Better
yet would be Volkswagen to mimic the Element design objectives with a T5
version.  You know, sometimes configured as a camper, sometimes as a
people-mover... Otherwise, the Vanagon is still the baseline for me.

ChrisR

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com]On Behalf
Of Bob Stevens
Sent: Tuesday, June 24, 2003 9:19 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: SUV Bashing) was Think Positive to start your new year

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