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VW Golf vs Tesla Model 3 comparison

Compare performance (325 HP vs 460 HP), boot space and price (28,300 £ vs 31,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – VW Golf or Tesla Model 3?

VW Golf vs Tesla Model 3: Key differences

VW Golf

4.6 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • somewhat cheaper
  • markedly lighter
details

Tesla Model 3

4.3 (7 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly more power
  • substantially more electric range
  • considerably quicker 0–100 km/h
  • noticeably 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

Golf

Costs and Efficiency:

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

VW Golf is somewhat cheaper – starting at 28,300 £ , while the Tesla Model 3 costs 31,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 3,424 £.

As for electric range, the Tesla Model 3 offers substantially more range – reaching up to 750 km, about 607 km more than the VW Golf.

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 clearly more power – delivering 460 HP compared to 325 HP. That’s roughly 135 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 takes 5.3 s. That’s about 2.2 s quicker.

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

Golf

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 is markedly lighter – 1,307 kg compared to 1,772 kg. The difference is around 465 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Tesla Model 3 offers noticeably more boot space – 594 L compared to 381 L. That’s a difference of about 213 L.

When it comes to payload, the VW Golf carries noticeably more – 508 kg compared to 377 kg. That’s a difference of about 131 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Tesla Model 3 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.

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
VW Golf
Tesla Model 3

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis

VW Golf

The Golf is a quietly accomplished compact that blends practicality, refinement and approachable driving manners into a very usable everyday package. It’s well built, comfortable and versatile, making it a smart choice whether you want sensible family transport or an enjoyable commuter.

details

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.

details
VW Golf
Tesla Model 3

Costs and Consumption

Price
28,300 - 46,700 £
Price
31,700 - 50,100 £
Consumption L/100km
1.1 - 7.6 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
13 - 16.5 kWh/100km
Electric Range
131 - 143 km
Electric Range
534 - 750 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
25 - 173 g/km
co2
0 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Sedan
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,307 - 1,662 kg
Curb weight
1,772 - 1,929 kg
Trunk capacity
273 - 381 L
Trunk capacity
594 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,789 mm
Width
1,850 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
438 - 508 kg
Payload
303 - 377 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Electric
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, 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
116 - 325 HP
Power HP
283 - 460 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.3 - 10.2 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.1 - 6.2 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
220 - 420 Nm
Torque
420 - 660 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
85 - 239 kW
Power kW
208 - 338 kW
Engine capacity
1,498 - 1,984 cm3
Engine capacity
-

General

Model Year
2025
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, C, F, B
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.