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BYD Dolphin Surf vs Nissan Leaf comparison

Compare performance (156 HP vs 217 HP), boot space and price (19,700 £ vs 30,800 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BYD Dolphin Surf or Nissan Leaf?

BYD Dolphin Surf vs Nissan Leaf: Key differences

BYD Dolphin Surf

  • clearly cheaper
  • significantly lighter
details

Nissan Leaf

4.4 (2 Reviews)
rate
  • markedly more power
  • somewhat more efficient
  • considerably more electric range
  • slightly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • visibly more trunk space
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All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Dolphin Surf

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

BYD Dolphin Surf is clearly cheaper – starting at 19,700 £ , while the Nissan Leaf costs 30,800 £ . That’s a price difference of around 11,109 £.

In terms of energy consumption, the Nissan Leaf is somewhat more efficient: consuming 13.7 kWh/100km compared to 15.5 kWh/100km for the BYD Dolphin Surf. That’s a difference of about 1.8 kWh/100km.

As for electric range, the Nissan Leaf offers considerably more range – reaching up to 624 km, about 302 km more than the BYD Dolphin Surf.

Leaf

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the Nissan Leaf offers markedly more power – delivering 217 HP compared to 156 HP. That’s roughly 61 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Nissan Leaf is slightly quicker – completing the sprint in 7.6 s, while the BYD Dolphin Surf takes 9.1 s. That’s about 1.5 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Nissan Leaf delivers noticeably more torque with 355 Nm compared to 220 Nm. That’s about 135 Nm more.

Dolphin Surf

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Seats: Nissan Leaf offers more seats – 5 vs 4.

In terms of curb weight, BYD Dolphin Surf is significantly lighter – 1,294 kg compared to 1,864 kg. The difference is around 570 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Nissan Leaf offers visibly more boot space – 437 L compared to 308 L. That’s a difference of about 129 L.

When it comes to payload, the Nissan Leaf carries markedly more – 444 kg compared to 344 kg. That’s a difference of about 100 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Nissan Leaf holds a decisive overall lead in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £30,800
Leaf

Nissan Leaf

  • Engine Type Electric
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 176 - 217 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km 13.7 - 13.8 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range 436 - 624 km
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Frequently compared as well

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Nissan Leaf

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

BYD Dolphin Surf

The BYD Dolphin Surf is an intriguing model that combines sleek design with modern electric technology, making it an appealing choice for urban commuters seeking sustainability and style. Its dynamic exterior design is complemented by an interior that prioritizes comfort and functionality, reflecting the brand's commitment to innovation. The model also offers impressive handling and a smooth driving experience, embodying the shift towards eco-friendly transportation.

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Reviews BYD Dolphin Surf

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

Nissan Leaf

The Nissan Leaf is a practical, easygoing electric hatch that turns daily commutes into a quiet, effortless affair while offering more cabin space than it lets on. It’s a sensible, wallet-friendly step into electrification for buyers who value comfort and simplicity over sporty drama, though those chasing long-distance thrills might look elsewhere.

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Reviews Nissan Leaf

4.4 (2 Reviews)
rate
Mir
12 Mar 2026, 21:05:00

The author of this comparison probably doesn't read what they're writing. Almost 100 Nm is a small difference? XD And by the way, the Leaf is listed at 6.9 s to the first 100 km/h while the rival is over 8 s — that's not a small difference… it's a shame to read this comparison with so many mistakes; better to take a drive and judge for yourself.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Commuter (short/medium distance)
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

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Nissan Leaf

Costs and Consumption
Price
19,700 - 26,600 £
Price
30,800 - 41,100 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
15.5 - 16 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
13.7 - 13.8 kWh/100km
Electric Range
220 - 322 km
Electric Range
436 - 624 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 g/km
co2
0 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
4
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,294 - 1,390 kg
Curb weight
1,864 - 1,956 kg
Trunk capacity
308 L
Trunk capacity
437 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,720 mm
Width
1,810 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
344 kg
Payload
441 - 444 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Electric
Engine Type
Electric
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
88 - 156 HP
Power HP
176 - 217 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.1 - 12.1 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.6 - 8.3 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
175 - 220 Nm
Torque
345 - 355 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
65 - 115 kW
Power kW
130 - 160 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
-

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2026
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
BYD
Brand
Nissan
What drive types are available for the BYD Dolphin Surf?

Available configurations include Front-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.