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Nissan Townstar Compact Van vs BYD Dolphin Surf comparison

Compare performance (130 HP vs 156 HP), boot space and price (29,500 £ vs 19,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Nissan Townstar Compact Van or BYD Dolphin Surf?

Nissan Townstar Compact Van vs BYD Dolphin Surf: Key differences

Nissan Townstar Compact Van

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BYD Dolphin Surf

4.4 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • considerably cheaper
  • a bit more power
  • visibly more efficient
  • slightly more electric range
  • very slightly lighter
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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

Townstar Compact Van

Costs and Efficiency:

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

BYD Dolphin Surf is considerably cheaper – starting at 19,700 £ , while the Nissan Townstar Compact Van costs 29,500 £ . That’s a price difference of around 9,752 £.

In terms of energy consumption, the BYD Dolphin Surf is visibly more efficient: consuming 15.5 kWh/100km compared to 20.9 kWh/100km for the Nissan Townstar Compact Van. That’s a difference of about 5.4 kWh/100km.

As for electric range, the BYD Dolphin Surf offers slightly more range – reaching up to 322 km, about 59 km more than the Nissan Townstar Compact Van.

Dolphin Surf

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 BYD Dolphin Surf offers a bit more power – delivering 156 HP compared to 130 HP. That’s roughly 26 HP more horsepower.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Nissan Townstar Compact Van delivers somewhat more torque with 245 Nm compared to 220 Nm. That’s about 25 Nm more.

Townstar Compact Van

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: Nissan Townstar Compact Van offers more seats – 5 vs 4.

In terms of curb weight, BYD Dolphin Surf is very slightly lighter – 1,294 kg compared to 1,399 kg. The difference is around 105 kg.

When it comes to payload, the Nissan Townstar Compact Van carries substantially more – 775 kg compared to 344 kg. That’s a difference of about 431 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The BYD Dolphin Surf is clearly ahead overall 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 £19,700
Dolphin Surf

BYD Dolphin Surf

  • Engine Type Electric
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 88 - 156 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km 15.5 - 16 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range 220 - 322 km
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Nissan Townstar Compact Van
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Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Nissan Townstar Compact Van

The Nissan Townstar is a smart, no-nonsense compact van that makes city running and tight deliveries feel almost effortless thanks to tidy packaging and clever storage. It keeps things sensible on the wallet and the road, offering a comfortable driving position and useful tech without flashy frills — the kind of workhorse you'll actually enjoy parking at the kerb.

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Dynamic (12)
Loading (4)
Interior (1)

Reviews Nissan Townstar Compact Van

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

BYD Dolphin Surf

The BYD Dolphin Surf is an intriguing model that combines sleek design with modern electric technology, making it an appealing choice for urban commuters seeking sustainability and style. Its dynamic exterior design is complemented by an interior that prioritizes comfort and functionality, reflecting the brand's commitment to innovation. The model also offers impressive handling and a smooth driving experience, embodying the shift towards eco-friendly transportation.

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BYD_Dolphin_Surf__251_UK05BYD
BYD_Dolphin_Surf__205-1
BYD_Dolphin_Surf__195

Reviews BYD Dolphin Surf

4.4 (1 Reviews)
rate
Dieter Schönrock
9 Jun 2026, 07:04:54

The Dolphin Surf is especially appealing because of the entry height and the low step-in. The amount of space is very good. It's a pity it has no towing capacity — around 500–600 kg would be great. The Dolphin Surf is better suited for older people than the R5.

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

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Nissan Townstar Compact Van
BYD Dolphin Surf

Costs and Consumption
Price
29,500 - 37,500 £
Price
19,700 - 26,600 £
Consumption L/100km
6.6 - 6.9 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
20.9 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
15.5 - 16 kWh/100km
Electric Range
263 km
Electric Range
220 - 322 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 - 155 g/km
co2
0 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Cargo Van
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
2 - 5
Seats
4
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,399 - 1,908 kg
Curb weight
1,294 - 1,390 kg
Trunk capacity
-
Trunk capacity
308 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,860 mm
Width
1,720 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
571 - 775 kg
Payload
344 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Electric, Petrol
Engine Type
Electric
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox, Manual Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
122 - 130 HP
Power HP
88 - 156 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
-
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.1 - 12.1 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
240 - 245 Nm
Torque
175 - 220 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
90 - 96 kW
Power kW
65 - 115 kW
Engine capacity
1,332 cm3
Engine capacity
-

General
Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
A, E
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
Nissan
Brand
BYD
Is the Nissan Townstar Compact Van offered with different drivetrains?

The Nissan Townstar Compact Van is offered with 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.