VS
At a Glance
Power
55 kW
77 kW
Torque
135 Nm
138 Nm
Fuel
—
5.7 l/100km
Towing
—
1000 Kg
0-100 km/h
14.2 s
11.2 s
Engine
electric cc
1462 cc
Choosing between the BYD Dolphin Surf and the Toyota Starlet is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The BYD Dolphin Surf delivers 55 kW while the Toyota Starlet produces 77 kW. Pricing starts at R341 900 for the Dolphin Surf and R303 900 for the Starlet. 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.
Specification
BYD Dolphin SurfComfort 2025 - From R341 900
Toyota Starlet1.5 XS A/T 2025 - From R303 900
Performance
Power Output
55 kW
77 kW
Torque
135 Nm
138 Nm
0-100 kph
14.2 s
11.2 s
Top Speed
130 Km/h
160 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
electric cc
1462 cc
Engine Layout
—
inline
Cylinders
—
4
Fuel Type
electric
petrol
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
-
4
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
—
5.7 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
30.1 kWh l
37 l
CO2 Emissions
-
133 g/km
Dimensions
Length
3925 mm
3990 mm
Width
1720-1970 mm
1745 mm
Height
1590 mm
1500 mm
Wheelbase
2500 mm
2520 mm
Ground Clearance
120 mm
150 mm
Kerb Weight
1225 Kg
980 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
308-1037 l
314- l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
1000 Kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
—
Airbag Count
4
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
—
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
3 vehicle / 8 battery
3
Warranty Distance
100000 vehicle / 200000 battery Km
100000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
3yr
4 servicesyr
Service Plan Distance
60000km
60000km
Service Intervals
20000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Toyota Starlet
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Starlet
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Starlet
Practicality
Starlet
Pros & Cons
BYD Dolphin Surf
Well-rounded specification
Less power than rival (55 kW vs 77 kW)
Higher starting price
Toyota Starlet
More powerful engine (77 kW)
Lower starting price (R303 900)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (11.2 ss)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the Dolphin Surf or Starlet?
The Dolphin Surf produces 55 kW and 135 Nm of torque while the Starlet delivers 77 kW and 138 Nm of torque. The Starlet is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Dolphin Surf and Starlet?
The Dolphin Surf starts from R341 900 and the Starlet from R303 900. The Starlet is cheaper by R38 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 Starlet?
The Dolphin Surf has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the Starlet can tow 1000 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Dolphin Surf or the Starlet?
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.
Also Consider