VS

BYD Dolphin vs VW Golf comparison

Compare performance (204 HP vs 325 HP), boot space and price (29,700 £ vs 28,300 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BYD Dolphin or VW Golf?

BYD Dolphin vs VW Golf: Key differences

BYD Dolphin

4 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly more electric range
details

VW Golf

4.6 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • very slightly cheaper
  • noticeably more power
  • clearly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • visibly lighter
  • marginally more trunk space
details

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:

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

VW Golf is very slightly cheaper – starting at 28,300 £ , while the BYD Dolphin costs 29,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 1,410 £.

As for electric range, the BYD Dolphin offers clearly more range – reaching up to 427 km, about 284 km more than the VW Golf.

Golf

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 offers noticeably more power – delivering 325 HP compared to 204 HP. That’s roughly 121 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the VW Golf is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 5.3 s, while the BYD Dolphin takes 7 s. That’s about 1.7 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the VW Golf delivers markedly more torque with 420 Nm compared to 310 Nm. That’s about 110 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, VW Golf is visibly lighter – 1,307 kg compared to 1,658 kg. The difference is around 351 kg.

Looking at boot space, the VW Golf offers marginally more boot space – 381 L compared to 345 L. That’s a difference of about 36 L.

When it comes to payload, the VW Golf carries slightly more – 508 kg compared to 410 kg. That’s a difference of about 98 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The VW Golf shows a few small advantages 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 £28,300
Golf

VW Golf

  • Engine Type : Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 116 - 325 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 1.1 - 7.6 L/100km
  • Electric Range : 131 - 143 km
details

Frequently compared as well

BYD Dolphin
BYD Atto 2
VS
The BYD Dolphin and BYD Atto 2 represent two distinct EV choices from BYD: the Dolphin is a compact, city-oriented hatchback focused on efficiency and nimble urban driving, while the Atto 2 is a compact crossover offering more space, a higher driving position and richer tech. Choose the Dolphin for …
BYD Dolphin
BYD Dolphin Surf
VS
The BYD Dolphin and the sportier Dolphin Surf share the same efficient electric bones, but the Surf adds visual muscle, slightly firmer suspension and sharper steering for anyone craving a bit more attitude. Inside they’re twins — clever packaging, roomy rear seats and a useful boot — so the Surf’s …
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
E3343F48-6402-43F6-BA2F-1FB1F8EFCE7F
000AECC3-AF0F-42E4-A606-040E7FB88B81
0344F0B7-DD22-4EE0-9220-311A496628F6

Reviews BYD Dolphin

4 (4 Reviews)
rate
Mark Kennedy
12 Apr 2026, 17:25:08

Absolute gem of a car, wonderfully smooth and powerful, along with being loaded with tech. By far the best car I've had. Would highly recommend

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
John Maskell
3 Jan 2026, 07:26:24

Loving the dolphin

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

VW Golf

The Golf is a quietly accomplished compact that blends practicality, refinement and approachable driving manners into a very usable everyday package. It’s well built, comfortable and versatile, making it a smart choice whether you want sensible family transport or an enjoyable commuter.

details
DB2019AU02117_medium
DB2019AU02116_medium
DB2019AU02120_medium
DB2019AU02082_medium
DB2019AU02081_medium
DB2019AU02087_medium
DB2019AU02105_medium

Reviews VW Golf

4.6 (1 Reviews)
rate

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

Frequently compared as well

VW Golf
VW T-Roc
VS
Deciding between the VW Golf and the VW T‑Roc is about choosing whether you prefer a classic, driver-focused hatchback or a compact SUV with higher ride height and added practicality. The Golf delivers sharper handling and refined efficiency, while the T‑Roc brings more interior space and a more …
BYD Dolphin
Renault R5
VS
If you want no-nonsense electric practicality and impressive value for daily miles, the BYD Dolphin delivers usable range, clever packaging and tech that actually matters without breaking the bank. The Renault 5, meanwhile, sacrifices a little practicality for irresistible retro charm and …
VW Golf
VW Taigo
VS
The VW Golf remains the benchmark compact hatchback with precise handling, sensible packaging and a grown-up interior that rewards drivers who value refinement and everyday usability; the Taigo, by contrast, trades some practicality for SUV looks and a higher ride, offering bolder styling, slightly …
VW Golf
VW ID.Polo
VS
Choosing between the VW Golf and the VW ID. Polo means deciding between a proven, practical compact hatchback and Volkswagen’s fresh electric-minded city model. I’ll walk you through the real-world differences in driving feel, space, running costs and tech so you can pick the one that suits your …
BYD Dolphin
VW ID.3
VS
Comparing the BYD Dolphin and the Volkswagen ID.3 gives a clear picture of two distinct approaches to compact electric hatchbacks: the Dolphin emphasizes value, efficiency and clever packaging, while the ID.3 leans on refinement, driving dynamics and European build quality. If you prioritise range, …
BYD Dolphin
MG MG4 Urban
VS
As electric hatchbacks aimed at city buyers, the BYD Dolphin and the MG4 Urban offer practical range and strong value but differ in driving character and tech focus. This comparison highlights the key differences in range, interior space, charging, and driving experience so you can pick the better …
Skoda Scala
VW Golf
VS
In one corner the Skoda Scala — clever, spacious and gloriously sensible; in the other the VW Golf — the benchmark hatchback that smooths out imperfections and keeps resale values healthy. Which one deserves your driveway: the Scala’s no-nonsense practicality and lower price, or the Golf’s polish, …
VW Golf
VW Polo
VS
The latest comparison between the VW Golf and VW Polo reveals distinct differences that cater to varied driver preferences. The VW Golf, known for its spacious interior and advanced technology, is ideal for those seeking a comfortable and feature-rich driving experience. In contrast, the VW Polo …
BYD Dolphin
VW Golf

Costs and Consumption
Price
29,700 - 31,400 £
Price
28,300 - 46,700 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
1.1 - 7.6 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
15.9 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
427 km
Electric Range
131 - 143 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 g/km
co2
25 - 173 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,658 kg
Curb weight
1,307 - 1,662 kg
Trunk capacity
345 L
Trunk capacity
273 - 381 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,770 mm
Width
1,789 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
410 kg
Payload
438 - 508 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Electric
Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
204 HP
Power HP
116 - 325 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.3 - 10.2 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
310 Nm
Torque
220 - 420 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
150 kW
Power kW
85 - 239 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
1,498 - 1,984 cm3

General
Model Year
2023
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, C, F, B
Brand
BYD
Brand
VW
What drive types are available for the BYD Dolphin?

The BYD Dolphin is available as 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.