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@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
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BYD Dolphin vs VW Golf - Differences and prices compared

Compare performance (204 HP vs 333 HP), boot space and price (29700 £ vs 25200 £) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BYD Dolphin or VW Golf?

BYD Dolphin

VW Golf

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

Dolphin @ BYD Auto / BYD Global Media

Costs and Efficiency:

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

VW Golf has a slightly advantage in terms of price – it starts at 25200 £, while the BYD Dolphin costs 29700 £. That’s a price difference of around 4496 £.

As for range, the BYD Dolphin performs clearly better – achieving up to 427 km, about 284 km more than the VW Golf.

Golf @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

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 VW Golf has a noticeable edge – offering 333 HP compared to 204 HP. That’s roughly 129 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the VW Golf is decisively quicker – completing the sprint in 4.60 s, while the BYD Dolphin takes 7 s. That’s about 2.40 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the VW Golf performs significantly better – reaching 270 km/h, while the BYD Dolphin tops out at 160 km/h. The difference is around 110 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: VW Golf pulls noticeable stronger with 420 Nm compared to 310 Nm. That’s about 110 Nm difference.

Dolphin @ BYD Auto / BYD Global Media

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Seats: offers more seating capacity – vs .

In curb weight, VW Golf is evident lighter – 1307 kg compared to 1658 kg. The difference is around 351 kg.

In terms of boot space, the VW Golf offers barely noticeable more room – 381 L compared to 345 L. That’s a difference of about 36 L.

In maximum load capacity, the BYD Dolphin performs barely noticeable better – up to 1310 L, which is about 73 L more than the VW Golf.

When it comes to payload, VW Golf to a small extent takes the win – 508 kg compared to 410 kg. That’s a difference of about 98 kg.

Who wins the race?

The VW Golf proves to be wins the duel decisively and therefore becomes our DriveDuel Champion!
VW Golf is the better all-rounder in this comparison.

from about £25,200
Golf @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

VW Golf

  • Engine Type : Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic, Manuel
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 116 - 333 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 1.1 - 8.1 L
  • Electric Range : 131 - 143 km
details
BYD Dolphin
VW Golf

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.

details
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VW Golf

The VW Golf remains the everyman’s favourite — cleverly balanced, composed and just posh enough to feel grown-up without pretending to be something it’s not. It slips through town and eats up longer trips with a refined cabin, practical layout and a kindly, capable character that turns everyday driving into something a little bit special.

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DB2019AU02116_medium @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
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Reviews BYD Dolphin

Reviews VW Golf

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Costs and Consumption
Price
29700 - 31400 £
Price
25200 - 47600 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
1.1 - 8.1 L
Consumption kWh/100km
15.90 kWh
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
427 km
Electric Range
131 - 143 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
19.70 kWh
co2
0 g/km
co2
25 - 184 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
40 - 55 L

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1658 kg
Curb weight
1307 - 1662 kg
Trunk capacity
345 L
Trunk capacity
273 - 381 L
Length
4290 mm
Length
4282 - 4296 mm
Width
1770 mm
Width
1789 mm
Height
1570 mm
Height
1454 - 1483 mm
Max trunk capacity
1310 L
Max trunk capacity
1129 - 1237 L
Payload
410 kg
Payload
438 - 508 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Electric
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Manual Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
204 HP
Power HP
116 - 333 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.6 - 10.2 s
Max Speed
160 km/h
Max Speed
202 - 270 km/h
Torque
310 Nm
Torque
220 - 420 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
150 kW
Power kW
85 - 245 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
1498 - 1984 cm3

General
Model Year
2023
Model Year
2024 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, F, G, C, B
Brand
BYD
Brand
VW

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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.