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VW Passat vs Tesla Model 3 comparison

Compare performance (272 HP vs 460 HP), boot space and price (36,500 £ vs 31,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – VW Passat or Tesla Model 3?

VW Passat vs Tesla Model 3: Key differences

VW Passat

5 (3 Reviews)
rate
  • slightly lighter
  • moderately more trunk space

Tesla Model 3

3.8 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • a bit cheaper
  • significantly more power
  • considerably more electric range
  • clearly 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

Passat

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 is a bit cheaper – starting at 31,700 £ , while the VW Passat costs 36,500 £ . That’s a price difference of around 4,757 £.

As for electric range, the Tesla Model 3 offers considerably more range – reaching up to 750 km, about 615 km more than the VW Passat.

Model 3

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 offers significantly more power – delivering 460 HP compared to 272 HP. That’s roughly 188 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Tesla Model 3 is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 3.1 s, while the VW Passat takes 5.8 s. That’s about 2.7 s quicker.

Looking at top speed, the Tesla Model 3 is only slightly faster – 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: the Tesla Model 3 delivers visibly more torque with 660 Nm compared to 400 Nm. That’s about 260 Nm more.

Passat

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, VW Passat is slightly lighter – 1,573 kg compared to 1,772 kg. The difference is around 199 kg.

Looking at boot space, the VW Passat offers moderately more boot space – 690 L compared to 594 L. That’s a difference of about 96 L.

When it comes to payload, the VW Passat carries clearly more – 577 kg compared to 377 kg. That’s a difference of about 200 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Tesla Model 3 is decisively ahead 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 Passat
Tesla Model 3

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis

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

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 Passat
Tesla Model 3

Costs and Consumption

Price
36,500 - 58,500 £
Price
31,700 - 50,100 £
Consumption L/100km
1.2 - 8 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
13 - 16.7 kWh/100km
Electric Range
124 - 135 km
Electric Range
534 - 750 km
Battery Capacity
19.7 kWh
Battery Capacity
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
1,573 - 1,858 kg
Curb weight
1,772 - 1,929 kg
Trunk capacity
510 - 690 L
Trunk capacity
594 L
Length
4,917 mm
Length
4,724 mm
Width
1,849 mm
Width
1,850 mm
Height
1,521 mm
Height
1,431 mm
Max trunk capacity
1,770 L
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
501 - 577 kg
Payload
303 - 377 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
All-Wheel Drive, Rear-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 - 6.2 s
Max Speed
220 - 250 km/h
Max Speed
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
1,498 - 1,984 cm3
Engine capacity
-

General

Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
Model Year
2,025
CO2 Efficiency Class
G, D, E, 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.