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Dacia Duster vs Tesla Model 3 comparison

Compare performance (158 HP vs 460 HP), boot space and price (16,300 £ vs 31,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Dacia Duster or Tesla Model 3?

Dacia Duster vs Tesla Model 3: Key differences

Dacia Duster

4.6 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • significantly cheaper
  • noticeably lighter
details

Tesla Model 3

4.3 (7 Reviews)
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  • significantly more power
  • substantially quicker 0–100 km/h
  • somewhat 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

Duster

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

Dacia Duster is significantly cheaper – starting at 16,300 £ , while the Tesla Model 3 costs 31,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 15,428 £.

Model 3

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 offers significantly more power – delivering 460 HP compared to 158 HP. That’s roughly 302 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Tesla Model 3 is substantially quicker – completing the sprint in 3.1 s, while the Dacia Duster takes 9.4 s. That’s about 6.3 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Tesla Model 3 delivers clearly more torque with 660 Nm compared to 230 Nm. That’s about 430 Nm more.

Duster

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Dacia Duster is noticeably lighter – 1,377 kg compared to 1,822 kg. The difference is around 445 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Tesla Model 3 offers somewhat more boot space – 594 L compared to 517 L. That’s a difference of about 77 L.

When it comes to payload, the Dacia Duster carries noticeably more – 453 kg compared to 333 kg. That’s a difference of about 120 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Tesla Model 3 is decisively ahead 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 - 16.5 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range 534 - 750 km
details

Frequently compared as well

Tesla Model 3
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Dacia Duster
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Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Dacia Duster

The Dacia Duster is a straightforward, budget-friendly SUV that prioritizes practicality and value over flashy features. Its rugged styling and simple, roomy interior make it a sensible choice for buyers who want capable everyday transport without paying for extras they won’t use.

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Reviews Dacia Duster

4.6 (4 Reviews)
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Dave
11 May 2026, 00:08:47

As a previous owner of a manual 1998 Suzuki Vitara (two door), I was thrilled when the Duster was announced. The Bigster seems like a safer (and less adventurous) alternative to the Duster.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Leisure / Weekend driver
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Buh
14 Dec 2025, 22:40:05

I find the difference between the two very minimal.
And for almost €20k more 💶 I would absolutely not choose the Tiguan.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Value for Money

Tesla Model 3

The Tesla Model 3 is a compact electric sedan that pairs brisk, responsive driving with a sleek, minimalist cabin and intuitive, software-led features. It makes a practical, modern choice for daily commutes and long-term ownership while emphasizing simplicity and advanced driver assistance.

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0x0-Model3_RHD_03
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0x0-Model3_09

Reviews Tesla Model 3

4.3 (7 Reviews)
rate
Trex
13 May 2026, 14:34:19

Excellent traction, relatively low energy consumption, driver-assist systems that are in a class of their own. On top of that, a very responsive steering system.

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
dino999
18 Nov 2025, 08:47:05

I wanted to give 0 stars but you can't — unfortunately, it sucks.

Frequently compared as well

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Renault Captur
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Choosing between the Dacia Duster and the Renault Captur comes down to whether you prioritise rugged value or urban refinement. The Duster is a no‑nonsense, spacious SUV with strong off‑road ability and low running costs, while the Captur focuses on stylish design, a smoother on‑road ride and more …
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Tesla Model 3

Costs and Consumption
Price
16,300 - 24,900 £
Price
31,700 - 50,100 £
Consumption L/100km
4.7 - 7.6 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
13 - 16.5 kWh/100km
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
534 - 750 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
107 - 140 g/km
co2
0 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Sedan
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,377 - 1,559 kg
Curb weight
1,822 - 1,929 kg
Trunk capacity
348 - 517 L
Trunk capacity
594 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,813 mm
Width
1,850 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
402 - 453 kg
Payload
302 - 333 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Full Hybrid, LPG
Engine Type
Electric
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Automated Manual, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
Power HP
115 - 158 HP
Power HP
283 - 460 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.4 - 11.7 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.1 - 6.2 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
190 - 230 Nm
Torque
420 - 660 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
84 - 116 kW
Power kW
208 - 338 kW
Engine capacity
1,199 - 1,789 cm3
Engine capacity
-

General
Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, C
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
Dacia
Brand
Tesla
What drivetrain options does the Dacia Duster have?

The Dacia Duster is offered with Front-Wheel Drive or All-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.