@ BYD Auto / BYD Global Media
@ Tesla, Inc.
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BYD Dolphin vs Tesla Model 3 – Which car suits you better?

Two cars, one duel: BYD Dolphin meets Tesla Model 3.
Which one wins in performance, efficiency and value for money? Find out now!

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

Dolphin @ BYD Auto / BYD Global Media

Costs and Efficiency:

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.

Model 3 @ Tesla, Inc.

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 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.

Dolphin @ BYD Auto / BYD Global Media

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.

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.

Who wins the race?

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.

from about £34,300
Model 3 @ Tesla, Inc.

Tesla Model 3

  • Engine Type : Electric
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 283 - 460 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 13.2 - 16.7 kWh
  • Electric Range : 550 - 750 km

BYD Dolphin

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.

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Tesla Model 3

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The 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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BYD Dolphin
Tesla Model 3
Dolphin @ BYD Auto / BYD Global Media
Model 3 @ Tesla, Inc.

Costs and Consumption

Price
29700 - 31400 £
Price
34300 - 50100 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
15.90 kWh
Consumption kWh/100km
13.2 - 16.7 kWh
Electric Range
427 km
Electric Range
550 - 750 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
64.5 - 83 kWh
co2
0 g/km
co2
0 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Sedan
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
4
Curb weight
1658 kg
Curb weight
1822 - 1929 kg
Trunk capacity
345 L
Trunk capacity
594 L
Length
4290 mm
Length
4720 - 4724 mm
Width
1770 mm
Width
1850 mm
Height
1570 mm
Height
1431 - 1440 mm
Max trunk capacity
1310 L
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
410 kg
Payload
303 - 333 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
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
204 HP
Power HP
283 - 460 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.1 - 6.1 s
Max Speed
160 km/h
Max Speed
201 - 262 km/h
Torque
310 Nm
Torque
420 - 660 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
150 kW
Power kW
208 - 338 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
-

General

Model Year
2023
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
BYD
Brand
Tesla
What drivetrain options does the BYD Dolphin have?

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.