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VW Golf Variant vs Tesla Model 3 comparison

Compare performance (333 HP vs 460 HP), boot space and price (26,100 £ vs 31,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – VW Golf Variant or Tesla Model 3?

VW Golf Variant vs Tesla Model 3: Key differences

VW Golf Variant

  • noticeably cheaper
  • visibly lighter
  • very slightly more trunk space

Tesla Model 3

3.8 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • visibly more power
  • considerably quicker 0–100 km/h

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

Golf Variant

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

VW Golf Variant is noticeably cheaper – starting at 26,100 £ , while the Tesla Model 3 costs 31,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 5,567 £.

Model 3

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 Tesla Model 3 offers visibly more power – delivering 460 HP compared to 333 HP. That’s roughly 127 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 VW Golf Variant takes 4.8 s. That’s about 1.7 s quicker.

Looking at top speed, the Tesla Model 3 is marginally faster – reaching 262 km/h, while the VW Golf Variant tops out at 250 km/h. The difference is around 12 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Tesla Model 3 delivers clearly more torque with 660 Nm compared to 420 Nm. That’s about 240 Nm more.

Golf Variant

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, VW Golf Variant is visibly lighter – 1,366 kg compared to 1,772 kg. The difference is around 406 kg.

Looking at boot space, the VW Golf Variant offers very slightly more boot space – 611 L compared to 594 L. That’s a difference of about 17 L.

When it comes to payload, the VW Golf Variant carries visibly more – 547 kg compared to 377 kg. That’s a difference of about 170 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
VW Golf Variant
Tesla Model 3

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis

VW Golf Variant

The Golf Estate packs Volkswagen's familiar poise into a practical, grown-up estate that quietly makes everyday life easier without shouting for attention. It's clever, comfortable and roomy enough for weekend kit or family chaos, offering smart packaging and refined manners that make it a sensible and surprisingly stylish choice for buyers who need space but don't want a van.

details

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
VW Golf Variant
Tesla Model 3

Costs and Consumption

Price
26,100 - 48,700 £
Price
31,700 - 50,100 £
Consumption L/100km
4.3 - 8.2 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
13 - 16.7 kWh/100km
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
534 - 750 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
83 kWh
co2
114 - 185 g/km
co2
0 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
45 - 55 L
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Estate
Body Type
Sedan
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
4
Curb weight
1,366 - 1,621 kg
Curb weight
1,772 - 1,929 kg
Trunk capacity
611 L
Trunk capacity
594 L
Length
4,631 - 4,651 mm
Length
4,724 mm
Width
1,789 mm
Width
1,850 mm
Height
1,462 - 1,487 mm
Height
1,431 mm
Max trunk capacity
1,624 - 1,642 L
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
489 - 547 kg
Payload
303 - 377 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Diesel
Engine Type
Electric
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Manual Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
Power HP
116 - 333 HP
Power HP
283 - 460 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.8 - 10.5 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.1 - 6.2 s
Max Speed
203 - 250 km/h
Max Speed
262 km/h
Torque
220 - 420 Nm
Torque
420 - 660 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
85 - 245 kW
Power kW
208 - 338 kW
Engine capacity
1,498 - 1,984 cm3
Engine capacity
-

General

Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
Model Year
2,025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, G, F, C
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
VW
Brand
Tesla
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.