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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

Tesla Model 3

3.8 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • significantly more power
  • substantially quicker 0–100 km/h
  • clearly more trunk space

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 1,772 kg. The difference is around 629 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 somewhat more – 457 kg compared to 377 kg. That’s a difference of about 80 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 - 16.7 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 small car with surprisingly grown-up refinement, delivering comfortable packaging, crisp handling and a build quality that punches above its class. For buyers who want a practical, fuss-free hatch that still feels a little premium, it’s a sensible, slightly cheeky choice you’ll enjoy every day.

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 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 - 16.7 kWh/100km
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
534 - 750 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
83 kWh
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
4
Curb weight
1,143 - 1,378 kg
Curb weight
1,772 - 1,929 kg
Trunk capacity
351 L
Trunk capacity
594 L
Length
-
Length
4,724 mm
Width
1,751 mm
Width
1,850 mm
Height
-
Height
1,431 mm
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
432 - 457 kg
Payload
303 - 377 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
262 km/h
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
2,025
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.