@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
@ Tesla, Inc.
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VW Passat vs Tesla Model 3 – Which model is better for everyday use?

Two cars, one duel: VW Passat meets Tesla Model 3.
Which one wins in performance, efficiency and value for money? Find out now!

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

Passat @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

Tesla Model 3 has a slight advantage in terms of price – it starts at 34300 £, while the VW Passat costs 35700 £. That’s a price difference of around 1457 £.

As for range, the Tesla Model 3 performs clearly better – achieving up to 750 km, about 615 km more than the VW Passat.

Model 3 @ Tesla, Inc.

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the Tesla Model 3 has a convincingly edge – offering 460 HP compared to 272 HP. That’s roughly 188 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Tesla Model 3 is significantly quicker – completing the sprint in 3.10 s, while the VW Passat takes 5.80 s. That’s about 2.70 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the Tesla Model 3 performs barely noticeable better – reaching 262 km/h, while the VW Passat tops out at 250 km/h. The difference is around 12 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: Tesla Model 3 pulls evident stronger with 660 Nm compared to 400 Nm. That’s about 260 Nm difference.

Passat @ 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 Passat is to a small extent lighter – 1573 kg compared to 1822 kg. The difference is around 249 kg.

In terms of boot space, the VW Passat offers slightly more room – 690 L compared to 594 L. That’s a difference of about 96 L.

When it comes to payload, VW Passat convincingly takes the win – 577 kg compared to 333 kg. That’s a difference of about 244 kg.

Who comes out on top?

Overall, the Tesla Model 3 shows itself to be dominates this comparison and secures the title of DriveDuel Champion.
It convinces with the more balanced overall package and proves to be the more versatile choice for everyday use.

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 Passat

The VW Passat is the grown-up family car that gets the basics absolutely right — roomy, comfortable and built to handle weekday commutes and weekend getaways without fuss. It won't set your pulse racing, but its calm composure and sensible packaging make it boring in the best possible way: a dependable, no‑drama choice for buyers who value practicality over flash.

details
DB2019AU00685_large @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
DB2019AU00698_large @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
DB2019AU00117_large @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
DB2019AU00642_large @ 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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Costs and Consumption
Price
35700 - 58500 £
Price
34300 - 50100 £
Consumption L/100km
1.2 - 8 L
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
13.2 - 16.7 kWh
Electric Range
124 - 135 km
Electric Range
550 - 750 km
Battery Capacity
19.70 kWh
Battery Capacity
64.5 - 83 kWh
co2
28 - 181 g/km
co2
0 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
45 - 66 L
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Estate
Body Type
Sedan
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
4
Curb weight
1573 - 1858 kg
Curb weight
1822 - 1929 kg
Trunk capacity
510 - 690 L
Trunk capacity
594 L
Length
4917 mm
Length
4720 - 4724 mm
Width
1849 mm
Width
1850 mm
Height
1521 mm
Height
1431 - 1440 mm
Max trunk capacity
1770 - 1920 L
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
501 - 577 kg
Payload
303 - 333 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Electric
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
122 - 272 HP
Power HP
283 - 460 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.8 - 10.7 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.1 - 6.1 s
Max Speed
212 - 250 km/h
Max Speed
201 - 262 km/h
Torque
250 - 400 Nm
Torque
420 - 660 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
90 - 200 kW
Power kW
208 - 338 kW
Engine capacity
1498 - 1984 cm3
Engine capacity
-

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

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What drivetrain options does the VW Passat have?

The VW Passat is offered with All-Wheel Drive or Front-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.