If you are in the market for an EV and consider the BYD Atto 3 and the Tesla Model 3, you should look no further. In this article, we will cover all you need to know about these two models.
First, we will discuss the specs and learn more about the numbers, then we will compare the price, design, power, batteries, safety, and a lot more aspects. So, if you want to learn more about these two models and make your purchase decision, follow along till the end!
BYD Atto 3 vs Tesla Model 3: Specs
Let’s first compare the specs of the two models and see the numbers that these models produce. By learning the numbers, you will get a clear picture about the performance of these vehicles.
| Model | BYD ATTO 3 | Tesla Model 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Variant | Active | Base |
| Price | $19,430 | $34,500 |
| Battery (kWh) | 50 kWh | 60 kWh |
| Drive | FWD | RWD |
| WLTP Range (km) | 430 km | 460 km |
| Power Output (kW) | 150 kW | 175 kW |
| Acceleration (0-100 km/h) | 7.3 seconds | 5.6 seconds |
| Plug Types (AC/DC) | Type 2 & CCS2 | Type 2 & CCS2 |
| Max Charge Rate (AC/DC) | 11/89 | 11/170 |
| Cargo Space (liters) | 440 liters | 425 liters |
| Frunk Cargo Space | No | Yes |
| Length (mm) | 4,455 mm | 4,694 mm |
| Width (mm) | 1,875 mm | 1,850 mm |
| Height (mm) | 1,615 mm | 1,443 mm |
| Running Clearance | 175 mm | 140 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,720 mm | 2,875 mm |
| Tow Rating | 750 kg | 750 kg |
| V2L | Yes | No |
| Warranty | 6 years/150,000km | 4 years/80,000 km |
| Battery Warranty | 8 years/160,000km | 8 years/160,000 km |
| Loyalty Program | Yes | Yes |
BYD Atto 3 vs Tesla Model 3: Price
Let’s start with the pricing. Price is one of the most important factors that makes or breaks a deal. If the price is not right, you will probably stay away from that deal and if the price is good, you will get the car.
The BYD Atto 3 starts as low as $19,430 in China. Making it one of the most affordable SUVs on the market.
While the Tesla Model 3 starts at $34,500 in China. And as you can see, the Tesla Model 3 is more than $10,000 more expensive compared to the BYD Atto 3.
Even with options, the BYD Atto 3 cannot reach the price of the base Tesla. For example, only for $23,320, you can get a fully loaded BYD Atto 3. If you want to get a fully loaded Tesla Model 3, you will have to spend up to $41,000. Which is a massive difference in terms of price.
So, when we compare the prices, the BYD Atto 3 is a clear winner since it is so much cheaper compared to the Tesla Model 3. That’s why if you want to get an EV for a great deal, the BYD Atto 3 is the way to go!
BYD Atto 3 vs Tesla Model 3: Design and Interior
Now let’s dive into the exterior and interior design of these two models. This is the area that is probably the most important besides the price since the exterior basically sells the most.
And we can say that both of these vehicles look rather good. Both the BYD Atto 3 and the Tesla Model 3 implement sleek lines and overall, this approach is fairly common in the EV industry.
However, some people are after the more conventional design and if you are one of those, the Atto 3 is probably the way to go. Since this model also has some conventional styling, it is not over the top futuristic and will blend in the crowd far easier compared to the Tesla.
We can also note that the BYD Atto 3 has more character to its design. It is not extremely minimalist as the Tesla Model 3 and in general it is rather good looking.
The interior on the other hand is a completely different story. The interior in the Tesla Model 3 is purely minimalist. There is simply nothing going on inside except for the screen that you have in the center.
Some people love this minimalist design but a lot of people hate it because it looks rather dull and simply unattractive. While in the BYD Atto 3 you have a well designed dashboard, nice screen and overall a more positive energy when you enter the cabin.
This is why we think that the BYD Atto 3 is a much better looking vehicle both from the exterior and interior standpoint.
BYD Atto 3 vs Tesla Model 3: Power and Performance
Power and performance plays such a vital role when it comes to buying a new EV. EVs by design are meant to perform and deliver instant torque and acceleration and this is expected from every EV out there.
In this case, both of these models are no performance machines. The base models are purely intended for cruising around the city.
The BYD Atto 3 is a single motor front wheel drive (FWD), while the Tesla implements a single motor and rear wheel drive (RWD).
Being RWD, makes the Tesla Model 3 a much more enjoyable car to drive since you have that torque behind you that is pushing you forward.
Suspension-wise both of these models implement the same setup. Which is a double wishbone at the front and a multi-link setup in the rear. In terms of power, the BYD Atto 3 delivers about 150 kW or 201 hp. While the Tesla Model 3 makes 175 kW or 234 hp.
And as you can see, the Tesla Model 3 is the more powerful model, with 33 hp more, this model has an acceleration of 5.6 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h. While the BYD Atto 3 has an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in only 7.3 seconds.
The Tesla Model 3 has 2+ seconds better acceleration and makes more power. So, the clear winner in this category is the Tesla Model 3!
BYD Atto 3 vs Tesla Model 3: Battery and Range
Battery and range are another hugely important factor when deciding which model you should choose. Range anxiety is real and the more range you have the less often you will experience such an anxiety where you need to pre plan every trip to the nearest detail in order to find a charger on time.
And luckily, both of these models perform fairly well in this area. The BYD Atto 3 will give you a range of 430 km with its 50 kWh battery.
While the Tesla Model 3 with its 60 kWh battery will give you a range of 460 km. And as you can see, these two models are not far from each other in terms of range and battery size.
But these numbers are for the base versions. If you opt for a long range model with a larger battery, you will be able to squeeze up to 510 km with the BYD Atto 3. While with the Tesla Model 3 you will get up to 600 km.
So, considering these numbers, we can say that the Tesla Model 3 is the better performer. This model will deliver you a bigger range because of the larger batteries that it has.
BYD Atto 3 vs Tesla Model 3: Autopilot and Other Tech
One of the main features that people associate with Tesla and other EVs is the Autopilot. An EV has to have an autopilot. But is this the case with the Tesla Model 3 and the BYD Atto 3?
Well, not quite. Both of these models are rated for Level 2 autonomy. So, what Level 2 autonomy means?
This means that these cars are equipped with sensors and cameras and have a feature called adaptive cruise control. With this feature you can have highway autonomy without much interference from the driver. The car can switch lanes, brake, and adjust the speed by itself.
Tesla is testing higher levels of autonomy in their models. But these models are selected vehicles that have the task of training the algorithms. So, it is highly unlikely that we will see a Level 4 or Level 5 in the near future.
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Nevertheless, adaptive cruise control is part of the ADAS system. ADAS stands for advanced driver-assistance system. This system uses a bunch of sensors, radars, and cameras to monitor the surroundings and make a decision in an instant.
Some of these features that ADAS systems offer include adaptive cruise control, park assist, automatic braking, blind spot monitoring, traffic sign recognition, front collision warning, lane departure warning, rear cross traffic brake, and a lot more.
Overall, in this area both of these models are pretty much equal. However, the number of functions varies depending on the trim you choose.
BYD Atto 3 vs Tesla Model 3: Size and Body
Vehicle size is a really important factor when it comes to choosing your future vehicle. Since the more size you get, the more options you have for storing items and more comfort for the driver and passengers.
What is interesting to note is that the BYD Atto 3 is an SUV, while the Tesla Model 3 is a sedan. This makes these two cars very different from one another. With the BYD Atto 3 you have more ground clearance and more headroom inside of the cabin.
While in the Tesla, you don’t have these features. If you want this in your Tesla, you can go for the Tesla Model Y, which is the SUV version of the Model 3.
Nevertheless, the BYD Atto 3 has a larger cabin and this makes the Atto 3 a lot more comfortable for the driver and passengers. What is good about the Tesla is that you have a frunk in the front end where you can store the charging cable and a small bag. Something that you don’t have in the BYD Atto 3.
Surprisingly, the Tesla Model 3 has a similar trunk space size to the BYD Atto 3. The Tesla Model 3 will deliver 425 liters of cargo space, while the BYD Atto 3 will deliver 440 liters.
But overall, in terms of practicality, the BYD Atto 3 is the better purchase since this model brings a lot more interior space for driver and passenger comfort compared to the Tesla Model 3.
BYD Atto 3 vs Tesla Model 3: Safety
When planning to purchase a new EV such as the BYD Atto 3 and the Tesla Model 3, the safety of these vehicles should be one of your top concerns. A car has to be safe in order to be considered as a good purchase.
And luckily for you, both of these models perform really well in this aspect. As we noted previously, these models implement ADAS systems that offer a bunch of different safety features that maximize the safety for the driver and the occupants.
Some of the more important features include, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and parking assist.
These models were also rigorously crash tested and comply with the Euro NCAP testing, which is one of the highest ranking institutions in the world when it comes to vehicle safety.
Both of these models scored 5/5 stars overall.
But the model that has an advantage in this area is the BYD Atto 3. This is mainly because of the higher ground clearance. SUVs are safer than sedans because the driver position is much higher compared to a sedan.
BYD Atto 3 vs Tesla Model 3: Warranties
Warranty is another highly important aspect that you need to take in consideration when shopping for a car.
BYD offers an 8 year or 160,000 km warranty on the battery itself. And you have an overall vehicle warranty of 6 years or 150,000 km. Vehicle warranty plays an extremely important role when it comes to deciding which model you should get.
When it comes to the Tesla Model 3, things are a bit more complicated. With this model, you also have an 8 year or 160,000 km warranty on the battery. But when it comes to other aspects, things are differently rated.
For example, you have an overall limited vehicle warranty of 4 years or 80,000 km. While the body of the car gets a limited lifetime corrosion warranty.
Overall, BYD offers a bit better warranty compared to Tesla.
BYD Atto 3 vs Tesla Model 3: Additional Considerations
There are no important considerations that you need to take besides the fact that these two vehicles are not perfectly matched.
The Tesla Model 3 is a sedan, while the BYD Atto 3 is an SUV. This means that the BYD Atto 3 is a bit larger vehicle.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the BYD Atto 3 outpaces the Tesla Model 3 in many aspects. These aspects include the price, size, practicality, safety, and warranty. While the Tesla Model 3 has advantages in terms of battery size, range, and performance.
So, it really depends on you what your priority is. If your goal is performance and range, you should choose the Tesla Model 3.
If you want more practicality and a vehicle that is cheaper to purchase and maintain, you should choose the BYD Atto 3.
