VS
At a Glance
Power
321 kW
255 kW
Torque
650 Nm
648 Nm
Fuel
2.0 when hybrid battery charged / 9.6 co
9.8 l/100km
Towing
2500 Kg
3500 Kg
0-100 km/h
5.7 s
—
Engine
1498 cc
1998 cc
Choosing between the BYD Shark 6 and the GWM P500 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BYD Shark 6 delivers 321 kW while the GWM P500 produces 255 kW. On fuel, the Shark 6 returns 2.0 when hybrid battery charged / 9.6 combined l/100km while the P500 uses 9.8 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R989 900 for the Shark 6 and R999 900 for the P500. 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
321 kW
255 kW
Torque
650 Nm
648 Nm
0-100 kph
5.7 s
—
Top Speed
160 Km/h
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1498 cc
1998 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol-electric hybrid
petrol-electric hybrid
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
—
9
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
2.0 when hybrid battery charged / 9.6 co
9.8 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
59 litre + 29.6 kWh l
80 l
CO2 Emissions
46 when hybrid battery charged g/km
225 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5457 mm
5445 mm
Width
1971 mm
1991 mm
Height
1925 mm
1924 mm
Wheelbase
2920 mm
3350 mm
Ground Clearance
230 mm
224 mm
Kerb Weight
2710 Kg
2575 Kg
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2500 Kg
3500 Kg
Load Capacity
790 l
735 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7
7
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
—
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5 vehicle / 8 battery
7 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery + high volt
Warranty Distance
100000 vehicle / 200000 battery Km
200000 vehicle / 150000 hybrid battery +
Service Plan
—
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
7
Service Plan Distance
—
75000
Service Intervals
20000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BYD Shark 6
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Shark 6
Fuel Economy
Shark 6
Value
Shark 6
Practicality
P500
Pros & Cons
BYD Shark 6
More powerful engine (321 kW)
Better fuel economy (2.0 when hybrid battery charged / 9.6 combined l/100km)
Lower starting price (R989 900)
No factory service plan
GWM P500
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Factory service plan included
Higher fuel consumption (9.8 l/100km)
Less power than rival (255 kW vs 321 kW)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Shark 6 or P500?
The Shark 6 uses 2.0 when hybrid battery charged / 9.6 combined l/100km and the P500 uses 9.8 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Shark 6 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Shark 6 or P500?
The Shark 6 produces 321 kW and 650 Nm of torque while the P500 delivers 255 kW and 648 Nm of torque. The Shark 6 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Shark 6 and P500?
The Shark 6 starts from R989 900 and the P500 from R999 900. The Shark 6 is cheaper by R10 000 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Shark 6 or P500?
The Shark 6 has a braked towing capacity of 2500 Kg and the P500 can tow 3500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Shark 6 or the P500?
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.