VS
At a Glance
Power
70 kW
170 kW
Torque
180 Nm
380 Nm
Fuel
—
8.1 l/100km
0-100 km/h
12.3 s
—
Engine
electric cc
1998 cc
Choosing between the BYD Dolphin and the Haval H7 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BYD Dolphin delivers 70 kW while the Haval H7 produces 170 kW. Pricing starts at R539 900 for the Dolphin and R604 950 for the H7. 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
70 kW
170 kW
Torque
180 Nm
380 Nm
0-100 kph
12.3 s
—
Top Speed
150 Km/h
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
electric cc
1998 cc
Engine Layout
—
inline
Cylinders
—
4
Fuel Type
electric
petrol
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
—
9
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
—
8.1 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
44.9 kWh l
61 l
CO2 Emissions
—
186 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4290 mm
4705 mm
Width
1770-2012 mm
1908 mm
Height
1570 mm
1780 mm
Wheelbase
2700 mm
2810 mm
Ground Clearance
—
210 mm
Kerb Weight
1506 Kg
—
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
345-1310 l
483-1362 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
6
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
—
Sunroof
—
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ 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
Service Plan Years
—
7
Service Plan Distance
—
75000
Service Intervals
20000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
1 / 4 categories
Performance
H7
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Dolphin
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
BYD Dolphin
Lower starting price (R539 900)
Less power than rival (70 kW vs 170 kW)
No factory service plan
Haval H7
More powerful engine (170 kW)
Factory service plan included
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the Dolphin or H7?
The Dolphin produces 70 kW and 180 Nm of torque while the H7 delivers 170 kW and 380 Nm of torque. The H7 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Dolphin and H7?
The Dolphin starts from R539 900 and the H7 from R604 950. The Dolphin is cheaper by R65 050 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the Dolphin or the H7?
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.