Two cars, one duel: BYD Dolphin meets Tesla Model 3.
Which one wins in performance, efficiency and value for money? Find out now!
Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.
BYD Dolphin has a somewhat advantage in terms of price – it starts at 29700 £, while the Tesla Model 3 costs 34300 £. That’s a price difference of around 4586 £.
In terms of energy consumption, the advantage goes to the Tesla Model 3: with 13.20 kWh per 100 km, it’s distinct more efficient than the BYD Dolphin with 15.90 kWh. That’s a difference of about 2.70 kWh.
As for range, the Tesla Model 3 performs decisively better – achieving up to 750 km, about 323 km more than the BYD Dolphin.
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 Tesla Model 3 has a convincingly edge – offering 460 HP compared to 204 HP. That’s roughly 256 HP more horsepower.
In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Tesla Model 3 is convincingly quicker – completing the sprint in 3.10 s, while the BYD Dolphin takes 7 s. That’s about 3.90 s faster.
In terms of top speed, the Tesla Model 3 performs clearly perceptible better – reaching 262 km/h, while the BYD Dolphin tops out at 160 km/h. The difference is around 102 km/h.
There’s also a difference in torque: Tesla Model 3 pulls significantly stronger with 660 Nm compared to 310 Nm. That’s about 350 Nm difference.
Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.
Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.
In curb weight, BYD Dolphin is hardly perceptible lighter – 1658 kg compared to 1822 kg. The difference is around 164 kg.
In terms of boot space, the Tesla Model 3 offers decisively more room – 594 L compared to 345 L. That’s a difference of about 249 L.
When it comes to payload, BYD Dolphin a bit takes the win – 410 kg compared to 333 kg. That’s a difference of about 77 kg.
The Tesla Model 3 proves to be leaves the rival little chance and therefore becomes our DriveDuel Champion!
Tesla Model 3 is the better all-rounder in this comparison.
The BYD Dolphin is a cheeky electric hatchback that blends playful styling with surprising practicality, making it a brilliant city companion for buyers who want modern tech without the showroom bravado. It’s comfy, efficient and easy to live with, and while it won’t blind you with supercar drama, it will quietly get the job done with plenty of character.
detailsThe Tesla Model 3 slices through daily commuting with a silent, confident shove that makes petrolheads reassess their life choices, while its minimalist cabin feels more like a slick gadget gallery than a traditional car interior. For buyers after a fuss-free, tech-forward electric with plenty of grin factor and low running drama, it’s hard to beat—just don't be surprised when the car updates itself overnight.
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Costs and Consumption |
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Price
29700 - 31400 £
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Price
34300 - 50100 £
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Consumption L/100km
-
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Consumption L/100km
-
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Consumption kWh/100km
15.90 kWh
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Consumption kWh/100km
13.2 - 16.7 kWh
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Electric Range
427 km
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Electric Range
550 - 750 km
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Battery Capacity
-
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Battery Capacity
64.5 - 83 kWh
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co2
0 g/km
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co2
0 g/km
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Fuel tank capacity
-
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Fuel tank capacity
-
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Dimensions and Body |
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Body Type
Hatchback
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Body Type
Sedan
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Seats
5
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Seats
5
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Doors
5
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Doors
4
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Curb weight
1658 kg
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Curb weight
1822 - 1929 kg
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Trunk capacity
345 L
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Trunk capacity
594 L
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Length
4290 mm
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Length
4720 - 4724 mm
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Width
1770 mm
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Width
1850 mm
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Height
1570 mm
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Height
1431 - 1440 mm
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Max trunk capacity
1310 L
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Max trunk capacity
-
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Payload
410 kg
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Payload
303 - 333 kg
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Engine and Performance |
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Engine Type
Electric
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Engine Type
Electric
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Transmission
Automatic
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Transmission
Automatic
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Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
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Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
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Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
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Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
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Power HP
204 HP
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Power HP
283 - 460 HP
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
7 s
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.1 - 6.1 s
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Max Speed
160 km/h
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Max Speed
201 - 262 km/h
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Torque
310 Nm
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Torque
420 - 660 Nm
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Number of Cylinders
-
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Number of Cylinders
-
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Power kW
150 kW
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Power kW
208 - 338 kW
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Engine capacity
-
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Engine capacity
-
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General |
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Model Year
2023
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Model Year
2025
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CO2 Efficiency Class
A
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CO2 Efficiency Class
A
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Brand
BYD
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Brand
Tesla
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The BYD Dolphin is offered with Front-Wheel Drive.
The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.