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VW Transporter Bus vs Tesla Model 3 comparison

Compare performance (286 HP vs 460 HP), boot space and price (41,500 £ vs 31,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – VW Transporter Bus or Tesla Model 3?

VW Transporter Bus vs Tesla Model 3: Key differences

VW Transporter Bus

  • markedly more trunk space
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Tesla Model 3

4.2 (6 Reviews)
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  • clearly cheaper
  • visibly more power
  • considerably more efficient
  • considerably more electric range
  • significantly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • moderately lighter
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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

Transporter Bus

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

Tesla Model 3 is clearly cheaper – starting at 31,700 £ , while the VW Transporter Bus costs 41,500 £ . That’s a price difference of around 9,773 £.

In terms of energy consumption, the Tesla Model 3 is considerably more efficient: consuming 13 kWh/100km compared to 22.4 kWh/100km for the VW Transporter Bus. That’s a difference of about 9.4 kWh/100km.

As for electric range, the Tesla Model 3 offers considerably more range – reaching up to 750 km, about 426 km more than the VW Transporter Bus.

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 visibly more power – delivering 460 HP compared to 286 HP. That’s roughly 174 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Tesla Model 3 is significantly quicker – completing the sprint in 3.1 s, while the VW Transporter Bus takes 7.4 s. That’s about 4.3 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Tesla Model 3 delivers noticeably more torque with 660 Nm compared to 415 Nm. That’s about 245 Nm more.

Space and Everyday Use:

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

Seats: VW Transporter Bus offers more seats – 8 vs 5.

In terms of curb weight, Tesla Model 3 is moderately lighter – 1,772 kg compared to 1,998 kg. The difference is around 226 kg.

Looking at boot space, the VW Transporter Bus offers markedly more boot space – 763 L compared to 594 L. That’s a difference of about 169 L.

When it comes to payload, the VW Transporter Bus carries substantially more – 1,143 kg compared to 377 kg. That’s a difference of about 766 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 Transporter Bus
Tesla Model 3

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis

VW Transporter Bus

The VW Transporter is the Swiss Army knife of vans — rugged, practical and surprisingly civilized on the road, whether you’re hauling kit for a job or converting it into a weekend camper. It isn’t trying to be glamorous, but its blend of durability, clever packaging and familiar VW charm makes it a sensible choice for buyers who need space without sacrificing driveability.

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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.

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VW Transporter Bus
Tesla Model 3

Costs and Consumption

Price
41,500 - 85,100 £
Price
31,700 - 50,100 £
Consumption L/100km
0.8 - 9.2 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
22.4 - 24.9 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
13 - 16.5 kWh/100km
Electric Range
87 - 324 km
Electric Range
534 - 750 km
Battery Capacity
11.8 - 63.8 kWh
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 - 229 g/km
co2
0 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
45 - 60 L
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Bus
Body Type
Sedan
Seats
4 - 8
Seats
5
Doors
4 - 5
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,998 - 2,620 kg
Curb weight
1,772 - 1,929 kg
Trunk capacity
0 - 763 L
Trunk capacity
594 L
Length
4,973 - 5,450 mm
Length
-
Width
1,941 - 2,032 mm
Width
1,850 mm
Height
1,907 - 1,997 mm
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
3,672 - 4,005 L
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
330 - 1,143 kg
Payload
303 - 377 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Diesel, Petrol, Plugin Hybrid, Electric
Engine Type
Electric
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Automatic Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
Power HP
110 - 286 HP
Power HP
283 - 460 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.4 - 16.9 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.1 - 6.2 s
Max Speed
112 - 200 km/h
Max Speed
-
Torque
310 - 415 Nm
Torque
420 - 660 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
81 - 210 kW
Power kW
208 - 338 kW
Engine capacity
1,498 - 2,488 cm3
Engine capacity
-

General

Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
G, F, B, A
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.