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Renault R5 vs VW ID.3 - Differences and prices compared

Compare performance (540 HP vs 326 HP), boot space and price (23900 £ vs 28600 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Renault R5 or VW ID.3?

R5

Retro Charm vs Modern Minimalism

The Renault R5 arrives like a wink from the past, its styling playing the nostalgia card with a bold personality that turns heads in urban streets, while the VW ID.3 opts for a restrained, contemporary look that whispers sophistication rather than shouting it. Buyers who value character and style will find the R5 hard to resist, whereas those who prefer a clean, understated presence will lean toward the ID.3. Both make clear statements about their owners — one playful and evocative, the other composed and future-focused.

ID.3

City Mojo and Daily Commuting

In tight parking spots and busy commutes the R5 feels chirpy and eager, rewarding light-footed driving with a sense of agility that suits short hops and errand runs, and it wears its liveliness like a badge of fun. The VW ID.3 trades some of that sprightliness for a calmer, more collected demeanor that makes everyday driving relaxed and predictable, which commuters who value ease over theatrics will appreciate. Both are user-friendly around town, but they invite different driving moods — playful hustle versus serene routine.

R5

Long Stretches and Open Roads

Take them beyond the city and the contrast becomes clearer: the R5 injects moments of drama into long drives with a spirited character that keeps you engaged, while the VW ID.3 leans into refinement and composure to make highway miles feel less effortful. For those who enjoy an involving drive, the R5 rewards with a livelier personality, and for people who want calm, consistent progress on long routes the ID.3 is the steadier companion. Either way, the choice depends on whether you prefer to be entertained or to stay unfazed on extended runs.

ID.3

Interior Life: Quirky vs Straightforward

Inside, the R5 brings playful touches and a deliberately different layout that feels like a breath of fresh — sometimes cheeky — air, with controls and surfaces that emphasize character over conformity. The VW ID.3 presents a more conventional, ergonomically tidy cabin where everything falls to hand with minimal fuss, catering to drivers who value clarity and low distraction. Comfort is achieved by different means: one through personality and charm, the other through calm, sensible execution.

R5

Packing Up and Weekend Plans

When it comes to real-world practicality both cars can handle a family weekend or a grocery run, but their approaches differ: the R5 prioritizes clever use of space and lifestyle-minded touches, while the VW ID.3 favors straightforward utility and predictability that families often appreciate. If your life revolves around adaptability and urban errands the R5’s flair will appeal, whereas habitual long hauls and methodical packing suit the ID.3’s no-nonsense practicality. Think about how you live your life — spontaneous adventures or planned routines — and that will point you to the one that fits.

ID.3

Daily Ownership: How They Feel After the Sheen

Ownership impressions are as much about the small irritations as the headline moments; the R5 continues to charm with personality but can demand more engagement from its owner, while the VW ID.3 aims to make each day predictable and uncomplicated. Servicing, tech updates and how each car integrates into daily life will sway buyers who value low friction above theatricality. Ultimately, the emotional cost of ownership matters: do you want a companion that entertains or one that quietly gets the job done?

Stick Around — the DriveDuel Champion Awaits

We’ve sketched the characters, the strengths and the likely homes for both cars, so whether you’re a style-conscious city driver, a family planner, a commuter chasing calm, or a long-distance cruiser looking for company, you now know which questions to ask yourself. Read on to see which model clinches the DriveDuel title when we weigh the final verdict and crown the Champion afterwards.

Renault R5

5 (1 Reviews)
rate

VW ID.3

4.9 (3 Reviews)
rate

You can find all user reviews further down on this page.

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

Costs and Efficiency:

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

Renault R5 has a to a small extent advantage in terms of price – it starts at 23900 £ , while the VW ID.3 costs 28600 £ . That’s a price difference of around 4654 £.

In terms of energy consumption, the advantage goes to the VW ID.3: with 14.50 kWh per 100 km, it’s minimal more efficient than the Renault R5 with 14.80 kWh. That’s a difference of about 0.30 kWh.

As for electric range, the VW ID.3 performs clearly perceptible better – achieving up to 605 km, about 200 km more than the Renault R5.

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 Renault R5 has a distinct edge – offering 540 HP compared to 326 HP. That’s roughly 214 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Renault R5 is convincingly quicker – completing the sprint in 3.50 s, while the VW ID.3 takes 5.70 s. That’s about 2.20 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the Renault R5 performs noticeable better – reaching 270 km/h, while the VW ID.3 tops out at 200 km/h. The difference is around 70 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: Renault R5 pulls clearly stronger with 4800 Nm compared to 545 Nm. That’s about 4255 Nm difference.

Space and Everyday Use:

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

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In curb weight, Renault R5 is clearly perceptible lighter – 1447 kg compared to 1787 kg. The difference is around 340 kg.

In terms of boot space, the VW ID.3 offers somewhat more room – 385 L compared to 326 L. That’s a difference of about 59 L.

In maximum load capacity, the VW ID.3 performs somewhat better – up to 1267 L, which is about 161 L more than the Renault R5.

When it comes to payload, VW ID.3 a bit takes the win – 473 kg compared to 418 kg. That’s a difference of about 55 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Renault R5 is clearly superior 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.

Renault R5
VW ID.3

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis
from about £23,900
R5

Renault R5

  • Engine Type : Electric
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 122 - 540 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 14.8 - 15.2 kWh
  • Electric Range : 307 - 405 km

Renault R5

5 (1 Reviews)
rate

The Renault 5 is a cheeky city car that marries retro charm with modern flair, its playful looks promising smiles before you even start the engine. Practical enough for daily life yet lively enough to make short trips feel like mini adventures, it’s an irresistible choice for buyers who prefer personality to bland practicality.

details

VW ID.3

4.9 (3 Reviews)
rate

The VW ID.3 is a crisply styled electric hatch that masks serious practicality behind a friendly, modern face, making city runs and longer trips pleasantly fuss free. For buyers seeking a sensible, well-equipped EV that doesn't take itself too seriously, the ID.3 strikes a neat balance of comfort, tech and everyday usability with a cheeky smile.

details
Renault R5
VW ID.3

Costs and Consumption

Price
23900 - 137100 £
Price
28600 - 49300 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
14.8 - 15.2 kWh
Consumption kWh/100km
14.5 - 15.8 kWh
Electric Range
307 - 405 km
Electric Range
383 - 605 km
Battery Capacity
40 - 52 kWh
Battery Capacity
52 - 79 kWh
co2
0 g/km
co2
0 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
2 - 5
Seats
5
Doors
3 - 5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1447 - 1524 kg
Curb weight
1787 - 1993 kg
Trunk capacity
326 L
Trunk capacity
385 L
Length
3922 - 4080 mm
Length
4264 mm
Width
1744 - 2030 mm
Width
1809 mm
Height
1380 - 1498 mm
Height
1564 mm
Max trunk capacity
1106 L
Max trunk capacity
1267 L
Payload
396 - 418 kg
Payload
437 - 473 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Electric
Engine Type
Electric
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive
Power HP
122 - 540 HP
Power HP
170 - 326 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.5 - 9 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.7 - 8.2 s
Max Speed
150 - 270 km/h
Max Speed
160 - 200 km/h
Torque
225 - 4800 Nm
Torque
310 - 545 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
90 - 397 kW
Power kW
125 - 240 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
-

General

Model Year
2025 - 2027
Model Year
2024 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
Renault
Brand
VW
What drive types are available for the Renault R5?

The Renault R5 is available as Front-Wheel Drive or Rear-Wheel Drive.

The prices shown are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted for local VAT. Local registration taxes (e.g. NoVA, BPM or CO2 malus) are not included. This information is not legally binding.