Fiat 500e vs Tesla Model 3
Two electric Sedans go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
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Price Breakdown
The Fiat 500e starts from $52,500 before on-road costs, while the Tesla Model 3 opens at $54,900. That makes the Fiat 500e the more affordable entry point by $2,400.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $57,750 and $60,390 respectively.
Both models qualify for Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemption, which is a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases. Depending on your tax bracket, this can save $5,000-$15,000+ per year compared to an equivalent ICE vehicle.
Safety Rundown
The Tesla Model 3 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Fiat 500e. Adult occupant protection scored 78% for the Fiat 500e and 96% for the Tesla Model 3.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Tesla Model 3 packs more ADAS features with 8 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the Fiat 500e.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Fiat 500e and 8 in the Tesla Model 3.
Charging Times
How long each takes to charge — from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC — estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
How long to charge
42kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 85kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 85kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
How long to charge
57.5kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 170kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 170kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The Fiat 500e features a 10.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the Tesla Model 3 gets a 15.4-inch display.
The Fiat 500e stands out with Apple CarPlay and BeatsAudio audio that you will not find on the Tesla Model 3. The Tesla Model 3 counters with power tailgate. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Fiat 500e gets leatherette upholstery while the Tesla Model 3 offers vegan leather. Climate control is 1-zone in the Fiat 500e and 2-zone in the Tesla Model 3.
Drivetrain
The Fiat 500e uses a Electric producing 87kW and 220Nm of torque, sent through a single-speed automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9 seconds.
The Tesla Model 3 responds with a Electric Motor making 208kW and 340Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.1 seconds.
The Tesla Model 3 has the clear power advantage at 208kW vs 87kW. In the real-world sprint, the Tesla Model 3 is 2.9s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 42kWh (Fiat 500e) vs 60kWh (Tesla Model 3). DC fast charging peaks at 85kW (Fiat 500e) vs 170kW (Tesla Model 3).
Space & Comfort
The Fiat 500e measures 3,631mm long on a 2,322mm wheelbase, 1089mm shorter than the Tesla Model 3 at 4,720mm (2,875mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Tesla Model 3 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 185L in the Fiat 500e and 682L in the Tesla Model 3, giving the Tesla Model 3 a 497L advantage. The Tesla Model 3 seats 5 vs 4.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.3m to 11.6m
Based on 9.3m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 3 years / 150,000km (Fiat 500e) vs 5 years (Tesla Model 3). The Tesla Model 3 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Fiat 500e if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Fiat's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Tesla Model 3 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Tesla's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Tesla Model 3 takes 9 of 10 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Tesla Model 3 has a clear edge. The Tesla Model 3 adds peace of mind with a longer 5-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Fiat 500e and Tesla Model 3?
The Fiat 500e is the cheapest at $52,500 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Tesla Model 3 by $2,400.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Tesla Model 3 has the most range at 520km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Tesla Model 3 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 170kW.
Which is safest?
The Tesla Model 3 has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which has the most boot space?
The Tesla Model 3 has the largest boot at 682L.
Which can tow the most?
The Tesla Model 3 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Tesla Model 3 has the longest warranty at 5 years / 0k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Tesla Model 3 makes the most power at 208kW. The Tesla Model 3 is quickest to 100km/h in 6.1s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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