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Tesla Model 3 vs BYD Dolphin comparison

Compare performance (460 HP vs 204 HP), boot space and price (31,700 £ vs 29,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Tesla Model 3 or BYD Dolphin?

Tesla Model 3 vs BYD Dolphin: Key differences

Tesla Model 3

3.8 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • significantly more power
  • markedly more efficient
  • considerably more electric range
  • considerably quicker 0–100 km/h
  • significantly more trunk space

BYD Dolphin

3.7 (3 Reviews)
rate
  • marginally cheaper
  • only slightly lighter

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

Model 3

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.

BYD Dolphin is marginally cheaper – starting at 29,700 £ , while the Tesla Model 3 costs 31,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 2,014 £.

In terms of energy consumption, the Tesla Model 3 is markedly more efficient: consuming 13 kWh/100km compared to 15.9 kWh/100km for the BYD Dolphin. That’s a difference of about 2.9 kWh/100km.

As for electric range, the Tesla Model 3 offers considerably more range – reaching up to 750 km, about 323 km more than the BYD Dolphin.

Dolphin

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 204 HP. That’s roughly 256 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Tesla Model 3 is considerably quicker – completing the sprint in 3.1 s, while the BYD Dolphin takes 7 s. That’s about 3.9 s quicker.

Looking at top speed, the Tesla Model 3 is markedly faster – reaching 262 km/h, while the BYD Dolphin tops out at 160 km/h. The difference is around 102 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Tesla Model 3 delivers substantially more torque with 660 Nm compared to 310 Nm. That’s about 350 Nm more.

Model 3

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, BYD Dolphin is only slightly lighter – 1,658 kg compared to 1,772 kg. The difference is around 114 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Tesla Model 3 offers significantly more boot space – 594 L compared to 345 L. That’s a difference of about 249 L.

When it comes to payload, the BYD Dolphin carries barely more – 410 kg compared to 377 kg. That’s a difference of about 33 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Tesla Model 3 is far 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 £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 - 16.7 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range : 534 - 750 km
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
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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 …
Tesla Model 3
BYD Dolphin

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Tesla Model 3

The Tesla Model 3 slices through daily commuting with a silent, confident shove that makes petrolheads reassess their life choices, while its minimalist cabin feels more like a slick gadget gallery than a traditional car interior. For buyers after a fuss-free, tech-forward electric with plenty of grin factor and low running drama, it’s hard to beat—just don't be surprised when the car updates itself overnight.

details
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0x0-Model3_RHD_03
0x0-Model3_12
0x0-Model3_09

Reviews Tesla Model 3

3.8 (4 Reviews)
rate
dino999
18 Nov 2025, 08:47:05

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

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

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BYD Dolphin

Costs and Consumption
Price
31,700 - 50,100 £
Price
29,700 - 31,400 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
13 - 16.7 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
15.9 kWh/100km
Electric Range
534 - 750 km
Electric Range
427 km
Battery Capacity
83 kWh
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 g/km
co2
0 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Sedan
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
4
Doors
5
Curb weight
1,772 - 1,929 kg
Curb weight
1,658 kg
Trunk capacity
594 L
Trunk capacity
345 L
Length
4,724 mm
Length
4,290 mm
Width
1,850 mm
Width
1,770 mm
Height
1,431 mm
Height
1,570 mm
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
1,310 L
Payload
303 - 377 kg
Payload
410 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Electric
Engine Type
Electric
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
283 - 460 HP
Power HP
204 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.1 - 6.2 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7 s
Max Speed
262 km/h
Max Speed
160 km/h
Torque
420 - 660 Nm
Torque
310 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
208 - 338 kW
Power kW
150 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
-

General
Model Year
2,025
Model Year
2,023
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
Tesla
Brand
BYD
What drive types are available for the Tesla Model 3?

The Tesla Model 3 is offered with All-Wheel Drive or Rear-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.