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VW Polo vs Tesla Model 3 comparison

Compare performance (207 HP vs 460 HP), boot space and price (17,300 £ vs 31,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – VW Polo or Tesla Model 3?

VW Polo vs Tesla Model 3: Key differences

VW Polo

4.1 (3 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly cheaper
  • clearly lighter
details

Tesla Model 3

4.3 (7 Reviews)
rate
  • significantly more power
  • substantially quicker 0–100 km/h
  • clearly more trunk space
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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

Polo

Costs and Efficiency:

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

VW Polo is clearly cheaper – starting at 17,300 £ , while the Tesla Model 3 costs 31,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 14,447 £.

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 significantly more power – delivering 460 HP compared to 207 HP. That’s roughly 253 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Tesla Model 3 is substantially quicker – completing the sprint in 3.1 s, while the VW Polo takes 6.5 s. That’s about 3.4 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Tesla Model 3 delivers considerably more torque with 660 Nm compared to 320 Nm. That’s about 340 Nm more.

Polo

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 Polo is clearly lighter – 1,143 kg compared to 1,822 kg. The difference is around 679 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Tesla Model 3 offers clearly more boot space – 594 L compared to 351 L. That’s a difference of about 243 L.

When it comes to payload, the VW Polo carries markedly more – 457 kg compared to 333 kg. That’s a difference of about 124 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 - 16.5 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range 534 - 750 km
VW Polo
Tesla Model 3

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis

VW Polo

The Polo is a well-built, comfortable hatchback that blends a refined cabin and composed manners into a compact package. It's easy to live with day to day, offering sensible space, tidy controls and reassuring quality that make it a practical choice for city or longer trips.

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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 Polo
Tesla Model 3

Costs and Consumption

Price
17,300 - 30,800 £
Price
31,700 - 50,100 £
Consumption L/100km
5.1 - 6.5 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
13 - 16.5 kWh/100km
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
534 - 750 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
116 - 148 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
1,143 - 1,378 kg
Curb weight
1,822 - 1,929 kg
Trunk capacity
351 L
Trunk capacity
594 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,751 mm
Width
1,850 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
432 - 457 kg
Payload
302 - 333 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol
Engine Type
Electric
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
Power HP
80 - 207 HP
Power HP
283 - 460 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
6.5 - 15.6 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.1 - 6.2 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
93 - 320 Nm
Torque
420 - 660 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
59 - 152 kW
Power kW
208 - 338 kW
Engine capacity
999 - 1,984 cm3
Engine capacity
-

General

Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E
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.