VS

BYD Dolphin vs VW Polo comparison

Compare performance (204 HP vs 207 HP), boot space and price (29,700 £ vs 17,300 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BYD Dolphin or VW Polo?

BYD Dolphin vs VW Polo: Key differences

BYD Dolphin

3.7 (3 Reviews)
rate

VW Polo

4.1 (3 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly cheaper
  • barely more power
  • very slightly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • substantially lighter
  • barely more trunk space

All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

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.

VW Polo is clearly cheaper – starting at 17,300 £ , while the BYD Dolphin costs 29,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 12,433 £.

Polo

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the VW Polo offers barely more power – delivering 207 HP compared to 204 HP. That’s roughly 3 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the VW Polo is very slightly quicker – completing the sprint in 6.5 s, while the BYD Dolphin takes 7 s. That’s about 0.5 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the VW Polo delivers only slightly more torque with 320 Nm compared to 310 Nm. That’s about 10 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 Polo is substantially lighter – 1,143 kg compared to 1,658 kg. The difference is around 515 kg.

Looking at boot space, the VW Polo offers barely more boot space – 351 L compared to 345 L. That’s a difference of about 6 L.

When it comes to payload, the VW Polo carries a bit more – 457 kg compared to 410 kg. That’s a difference of about 47 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The VW Polo holds a solid 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 £17,300
Polo

VW Polo

  • Engine Type : Petrol
  • Transmission : Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 80 - 207 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 5.1 - 6.5 L/100km
details

Frequently compared as well

BYD Dolphin
BYD Atto 2
VS
The BYD Dolphin is a zippy, compact EV built for urban life — efficient, easy to park and kind on the wallet, making it a brilliant daily driver for city dwellers. The BYD Atto 2 swaps hatchback frugality for crossover comfort and tech, offering more space, range and kit for buyers who value …
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 Polo

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

3.7 (3 Reviews)
rate
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 Polo

The Polo is a small car with surprisingly grown-up refinement, delivering comfortable packaging, crisp handling and a build quality that punches above its class. For buyers who want a practical, fuss-free hatch that still feels a little premium, it’s a sensible, slightly cheeky choice you’ll enjoy every day.

details
DB2021AU00726_medium
DB2021AU00728_medium
DB2021AU00732_medium
DB2021AU00735_medium
DB2021AU00736_medium
DB2021AU00741_medium

Reviews VW Polo

4.1 (3 Reviews)
rate

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

Frequently compared as well

VW Polo
VW T-Cross
VS
The VW Polo is a nimble, wallet-friendly hatch that makes city driving and tight parking effortless, while the VW T-Cross trades the Polo’s sprightliness for SUV practicality — higher seating, a roomier boot and a more commanding road presence. Pick the Polo if you want cheap, lively motoring; …
VW Polo
VW Taigo
VS
The VW Polo is the sharp, no-nonsense hatchback that nails everyday practicality — nimble in town, economical to run and pleasantly composed on the motorway. The VW Taigo swaps a bit of luggage room and rear headroom for SUV flair, higher seating and a more eye-catching cabin, so pick the Polo for …
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 …
Renault Clio
VW Polo
VS
In the competitive supermini segment, the Renault Clio and VW Polo stand out for their blend of style, performance, and practicality. The Clio boasts a more dynamic design and an engaging driving experience, while the Polo is celebrated for its refined build quality and advanced technology …
BYD Dolphin
VW ID.3
VS
In a head-to-head comparison, the BYD Dolphin and VW ID.3 stand out in the rapidly evolving EV market, each offering unique strengths. The Dolphin impresses with its affordability and efficiency, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers looking for great range and technological …
BYD Dolphin
Kia EV3
VS
In the increasingly competitive electric vehicle market, the BYD Dolphin and Kia EV3 stand out with their unique features and modern designs. The Dolphin boasts impressive range and efficiency, catering to eco-conscious drivers, while the EV3 impresses with its sporty handling and advanced …
SEAT Arona
VW Polo
VS
The SEAT Arona and VW Polo compete for the top spot in your garage. See how both models differ in key areas like performance, running costs, interior space and technology. A fast, clear comparison helps you pick the one that fits your needs best.
BYD Dolphin
Hyundai Kona
VS
The BYD Dolphin and Hyundai Kona compete for the top spot in your garage. See how both models differ in key areas like performance, running costs, interior space and technology. A fast, clear comparison helps you pick the one that fits your needs best.
BYD Dolphin
VW Polo

Costs and Consumption
Price
29,700 - 31,400 £
Price
17,300 - 30,800 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
5.1 - 6.5 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
15.9 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
427 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 g/km
co2
116 - 148 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,658 kg
Curb weight
1,143 - 1,378 kg
Trunk capacity
345 L
Trunk capacity
351 L
Length
4,290 mm
Length
-
Width
1,770 mm
Width
1,751 mm
Height
1,570 mm
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
1,310 L
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
410 kg
Payload
432 - 457 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Electric
Engine Type
Petrol
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
Power HP
204 HP
Power HP
80 - 207 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
6.5 - 15.6 s
Max Speed
160 km/h
Max Speed
-
Torque
310 Nm
Torque
93 - 320 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Power kW
150 kW
Power kW
59 - 152 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
999 - 1,984 cm3

General
Model Year
2,023
Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E
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.