smart #1 vs Tesla Model 3
Two electric cars 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.
Price Breakdown
The smart #1 starts from $54,900 before on-road costs, while the Tesla Model 3 opens at $54,900. Both land at the same RRP, so on-road costs and dealer deals become the real differentiator.
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 $60,390 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
Both the smart #1 and Tesla Model 3 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 96% for the smart #1 and 96% for the Tesla Model 3.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The smart #1 packs more ADAS features with 9 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 8 in the Tesla Model 3.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the smart #1 and 8 in the Tesla Model 3. The smart #1 adds a 360-degree camera that the Tesla Model 3 misses.
Feature Showdown
The smart #1 features a 12.8-inch touchscreen, while the Tesla Model 3 gets a 15.4-inch display.
The smart #1 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, heated front seats and power tailgate that you will not find on the Tesla Model 3. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the smart #1 gets leatherette upholstery while the Tesla Model 3 offers vegan leather.
Drivetrain
The smart #1 uses a Electric producing 200kW and 343Nm of torque, sent through a single-speed automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.7 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 200kW. In the real-world sprint, the Tesla Model 3 is 0.6s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 66kWh (smart #1) vs 60kWh (Tesla Model 3). DC fast charging peaks at 150kW (smart #1) vs 170kW (Tesla Model 3).
Space & Comfort
The smart #1 measures 4,270mm long on a 2,750mm wheelbase, 450mm 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 203L in the smart #1 and 682L in the Tesla Model 3, giving the Tesla Model 3 a 479L advantage.
For towing, the smart #1 leads with a 1,600kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 600kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.1m to 11.6m
Based on 11.1m 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
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 150,000km (smart #1) vs 5 years / 80,000km (Tesla Model 3). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the smart #1 if: You need stronger towing, or prefer smart's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Tesla Model 3 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Tesla's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Tesla Model 3 takes 5 of 7 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Tesla Model 3 has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, smart #1 and Tesla Model 3?
The smart #1 is the cheapest at $54,900 before on-road costs.
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?
They are evenly matched — smart #1 and Tesla Model 3 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Tesla Model 3 has the largest boot at 682L.
Which can tow the most?
The smart #1 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,600kg.
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.
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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