VS
At a Glance
Power
55 kW
81 kW
Torque
135 Nm
142 Nm
Fuel
—
6.0 l/100km
Towing
—
500 Kg
0-100 km/h
15.5 s
10.8 s
Engine
electric cc
1495 cc
Choosing between the BYD Dolphin Surf and the MG MG3 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BYD Dolphin Surf delivers 55 kW while the MG MG3 produces 81 kW. Pricing starts at R395 900 for the Dolphin Surf and R309 900 for the MG3. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
55 kW
81 kW
Torque
135 Nm
142 Nm
0-100 kph
15.5 s
10.8 s
Top Speed
130 Km/h
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
electric cc
1495 cc
Engine Layout
—
inline
Cylinders
—
4
Fuel Type
electric
petrol
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
—
—
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
—
6.0 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
38.9 kWh l
45 l
CO2 Emissions
—
130 g/km
Dimensions
Length
3925 mm
4113 mm
Width
1720-1970 mm
1797 mm
Height
1590 mm
1502 mm
Wheelbase
2500 mm
2570 mm
Ground Clearance
120 mm
149 mm
Kerb Weight
1280 Kg
1199 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
308-1037 l
293-893 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
500 Kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
4
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
—
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
—
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
3 vehicle / 8 battery
7
Warranty Distance
100000 vehicle / 200000 battery Km
200000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
3
3
Service Plan Distance
60000
45000
Service Intervals
20000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
MG MG3
3 / 4 categories
Performance
MG3
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
MG3
Practicality
MG3
Pros & Cons
BYD Dolphin Surf
Well-rounded specification
Less power than rival (55 kW vs 81 kW)
Higher starting price
MG MG3
More powerful engine (81 kW)
Lower starting price (R309 900)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (10.8 ss)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the Dolphin Surf or MG3?
The Dolphin Surf produces 55 kW and 135 Nm of torque while the MG3 delivers 81 kW and 142 Nm of torque. The MG3 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Dolphin Surf and MG3?
The Dolphin Surf starts from R395 900 and the MG3 from R309 900. The MG3 is cheaper by R86 000 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Dolphin Surf or MG3?
The Dolphin Surf has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the MG3 can tow 500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Dolphin Surf or the MG3?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.