@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
@ Tesla, Inc.
VS

VW Golf vs Tesla Model 3 – Differences & prices compared

Compare performance, boot capacity, efficiency and price at a glance.
Find out which car is the better choice for you – VW Golf or Tesla Model 3?

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

Golf @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Costs and Efficiency:

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

VW Golf has a noticeable advantage in terms of price – it starts at 25200 £, while the Tesla Model 3 costs 34300 £. That’s a price difference of around 9082 £.

As for range, the Tesla Model 3 performs significantly better – achieving up to 750 km, about 607 km more than the VW Golf.

Model 3 @ Tesla, Inc.

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 has a noticeable edge – offering 460 HP compared to 333 HP. That’s roughly 127 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Tesla Model 3 is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 3.10 s, while the VW Golf takes 4.60 s. That’s about 1.50 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the VW Golf performs barely noticeable better – reaching 270 km/h, while the Tesla Model 3 tops out at 262 km/h. The difference is around 8 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: Tesla Model 3 pulls distinct stronger with 660 Nm compared to 420 Nm. That’s about 240 Nm difference.

Golf @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

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 curb weight, VW Golf is distinct lighter – 1307 kg compared to 1822 kg. The difference is around 515 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Tesla Model 3 offers clearly perceptible more room – 594 L compared to 381 L. That’s a difference of about 213 L.

When it comes to payload, VW Golf clearly perceptible takes the win – 508 kg compared to 333 kg. That’s a difference of about 175 kg.

Who wins the race?

The Tesla Model 3 proves to be wins the duel decisively and therefore becomes our DriveDuel Champion!
Tesla Model 3 is the better all-rounder in this comparison.

from about £34,300
Model 3 @ Tesla, Inc.

Tesla Model 3

  • Engine Type : Electric
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 283 - 460 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 13.2 - 16.7 kWh
  • Electric Range : 550 - 750 km
details

VW Golf

The VW Golf remains the everyman’s favourite — cleverly balanced, composed and just posh enough to feel grown-up without pretending to be something it’s not. It slips through town and eats up longer trips with a refined cabin, practical layout and a kindly, capable character that turns everyday driving into something a little bit special.

details
DB2019AU02117_medium @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
DB2019AU02116_medium @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
DB2019AU02120_medium @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
DB2019AU02082_medium @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
DB2019AU02081_medium @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
DB2019AU02087_medium @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
DB2019AU02105_medium @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Tesla Model 3

1 (1)
rate

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
0x0-Model3_06 @ Tesla, Inc.
0x0-Model3_RHD_03 @ Tesla, Inc.
0x0-Model3_12 @ Tesla, Inc.
0x0-Model3_09 @ Tesla, Inc.

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The VW Golf still sets the benchmark in the compact class — a composed, all‑round hatch that rewards drivers with precise steering, efficient engines and sensible practicality for daily life. The VW T‑Roc trades a bit of that pinch‑perfect poise for SUV style, a higher seating position and a …
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Golf @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
Model 3 @ Tesla, Inc.

Costs and Consumption
Price
25200 - 47600 £
Price
34300 - 50100 £
Consumption L/100km
1.1 - 8.1 L
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
13.2 - 16.7 kWh
Electric Range
131 - 143 km
Electric Range
550 - 750 km
Battery Capacity
19.70 kWh
Battery Capacity
64.5 - 83 kWh
co2
25 - 184 g/km
co2
0 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
40 - 55 L
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Sedan
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
4
Curb weight
1307 - 1662 kg
Curb weight
1822 - 1929 kg
Trunk capacity
273 - 381 L
Trunk capacity
594 L
Length
4282 - 4296 mm
Length
4720 - 4724 mm
Width
1789 mm
Width
1850 mm
Height
1454 - 1483 mm
Height
1431 - 1440 mm
Max trunk capacity
1129 - 1237 L
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
438 - 508 kg
Payload
303 - 333 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
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
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
116 - 333 HP
Power HP
283 - 460 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.6 - 10.2 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.1 - 6.1 s
Max Speed
202 - 270 km/h
Max Speed
201 - 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
1498 - 1984 cm3
Engine capacity
-

General
Model Year
2024 - 2025
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, F, G, C, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
VW
Brand
Tesla

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What drivetrain options does the VW Golf have?

The VW Golf is available as Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.