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BYD Dolphin vs Tesla Model 3 comparison

Compare performance (204 HP vs 460 HP), boot space and price (29,700 £ vs 31,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BYD Dolphin or Tesla Model 3?

BYD Dolphin vs Tesla Model 3: Key differences

BYD Dolphin

4 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • very slightly cheaper
  • barely lighter
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Tesla Model 3

4 (5 Reviews)
rate
  • substantially more power
  • markedly more efficient
  • substantially more electric range
  • significantly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • clearly 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

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

BYD Dolphin is very slightly cheaper – starting at 29,700 £ , while the Tesla Model 3 costs 31,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 2,014 £.

In terms of energy consumption, the Tesla Model 3 is markedly more efficient: consuming 13 kWh/100km compared to 15.9 kWh/100km for the BYD Dolphin. That’s a difference of about 2.9 kWh/100km.

As for electric range, the Tesla Model 3 offers substantially more range – reaching up to 750 km, about 323 km more than the BYD Dolphin.

Model 3

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the Tesla Model 3 offers substantially more power – delivering 460 HP compared to 204 HP. That’s roughly 256 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Tesla Model 3 is significantly quicker – completing the sprint in 3.1 s, while the BYD Dolphin takes 7 s. That’s about 3.9 s quicker.

Looking at top speed, the Tesla Model 3 is noticeably faster – 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: the Tesla Model 3 delivers clearly more torque with 660 Nm compared to 310 Nm. That’s about 350 Nm more.

Dolphin

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 terms of curb weight, BYD Dolphin is barely lighter – 1,658 kg compared to 1,772 kg. The difference is around 114 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Tesla Model 3 offers clearly more boot space – 594 L compared to 345 L. That’s a difference of about 249 L.

When it comes to payload, the BYD Dolphin carries only slightly more – 410 kg compared to 377 kg. That’s a difference of about 33 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Tesla Model 3 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 £31,700
Model 3

Tesla Model 3

  • Engine Type : Electric
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 283 - 460 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 13 - 16.7 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range : 534 - 750 km
BYD Dolphin
Tesla Model 3

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis

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

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

Costs and Consumption

Price
29,700 - 31,400 £
Price
31,700 - 50,100 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
15.9 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
13 - 16.7 kWh/100km
Electric Range
427 km
Electric Range
534 - 750 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
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
1,658 kg
Curb weight
1,772 - 1,929 kg
Trunk capacity
345 L
Trunk capacity
594 L
Length
4,290 mm
Length
4,724 mm
Width
1,770 mm
Width
1,850 mm
Height
1,570 mm
Height
1,431 mm
Max trunk capacity
1,310 L
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
410 kg
Payload
303 - 377 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
All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
Power HP
204 HP
Power HP
283 - 460 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.1 - 6.2 s
Max Speed
160 km/h
Max Speed
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
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.