2016 Tesla Model S vs 2021 Ford Mustang Mach‑E
Which is bigger, the 2016 Tesla Model S or 2021 Ford Mustang Mach‑E?
Key dimensions: length, width, height
While not a massive leap, the 2016 Tesla Model S is 25.7 cm longer than the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach‑E. You might notice the 8.3 cm width difference when parking; the 2016 Tesla Model S leaves a little less margin for error in the bay compared to the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach‑E. The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach‑E utilises its extra 18 cm of height to maximise cabin volume, making it feel larger inside than the 2016 Tesla Model S. The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach‑E is only 0.5 cm more elevated than the 2016 Tesla Model S, a difference you likely won't notice even on rougher roads. They are effectively twins in terms of axle spacing, with a negligible 2.4 cm wheelbase difference.
Measurements
Length
497 cm (+25.7)
471.3 cm
Height
144.5 cm
162.5 cm (+18)
Body width
196.4 cm (+8.3)
188.1 cm
Width including mirrors
218.9 cm (+9.2)
209.7 cm
Ground clearance
14 cm
14.5 cm (+0.5)
Wheelbase
296 cm
298.4 cm (+2.4)
Footprint
DriveSize footprint is overall length multiplied by body width.
9.8 m² (+0.9)
8.9 m²
How each car compares with its class average
Length
497 cm
24.1 cm longer than the average Sedan
471.3 cm
18.7 cm longer than the average Crossover
Height
144.5 cm
1.3 cm shorter than the average Sedan
162.5 cm
0.3 cm shorter than the average Crossover
Body width
196.4 cm
13.4 cm wider than the average Sedan
188.1 cm
3.2 cm wider than the average Crossover
Width including mirrors
218.9 cm
13.3 cm wider than the average Sedan
209.7 cm
3.3 cm wider than the average Crossover
Ground clearance
14 cm
Same ground clearance as the average Sedan
14.5 cm
3.6 cm less ground clearance than the average Crossover
Wheelbase
296 cm
17.9 cm longer wheelbase than the average Sedan
298.4 cm
26 cm longer wheelbase than the average Crossover
Footprint
DriveSize footprint is overall length multiplied by body width.
9.8 m²
1.1 m² larger footprint than the average Sedan
8.9 m²
0.5 m² larger footprint than the average Crossover
Front view
Cargo Capacity: which has more space?
Standard and largest cargo capacity
Whether you use the boot or the full cabin for cargo space, the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach‑E is roomier, offering a significant 77 L more space with the seats up and a noticeable 44 L (SAE) more with the seats down.
Measurements
Standard cargo capacity (VDA)
The standard cargo capacity using VDA, the method commonly used globally.
This is the manufacturer's normal published figure; it does not imply a particular seat configuration.
N/A
402 L
Largest cargo capacity (VDA)
The largest cargo capacity using VDA, the method commonly used globally.
If only one VDA figure is published, the standard and largest values are the same.
N/A
1,420 L
Standard cargo capacity (SAE)
The standard cargo capacity using SAE, the method commonly used in the US.
This is the manufacturer's normal published figure; it does not imply a particular seat configuration.
745 L
822 L (+77)
Largest cargo capacity (SAE)
The largest cargo capacity using SAE, the method commonly used in the US.
If only one SAE figure is published, the standard and largest values are the same.
1,645 L
1,689 L (+44)
Frunk capacity
60 L
81 L (+21)
Cargo space vs length
This DriveSize metric divides blended cargo volume by overall vehicle length.
Blended cargo uses 65% of the standard figure and 35% of the largest figure, using VDA where available and SAE otherwise.
213.3 L per m (+52.4)
160.9 L per m
Cargo space vs footprint
This DriveSize metric divides blended cargo volume by footprint.
Blended cargo uses 65% of the standard figure and 35% of the largest figure, using VDA where available and SAE otherwise.
It helps show how efficiently a car turns exterior area into usable cargo space.
108.6 L per m² (+23.1)
85.5 L per m²
How each car compares with its class average
Standard cargo capacity (VDA)
The standard cargo capacity using VDA, the method commonly used globally.
This is the manufacturer's normal published figure; it does not imply a particular seat configuration.
N/A
402 L
43 L less cargo volume than the average Crossover
Largest cargo capacity (VDA)
The largest cargo capacity using VDA, the method commonly used globally.
If only one VDA figure is published, the standard and largest values are the same.
N/A
1,420 L
88 L less cargo volume than the average Crossover
Standard cargo capacity (SAE)
The standard cargo capacity using SAE, the method commonly used in the US.
This is the manufacturer's normal published figure; it does not imply a particular seat configuration.
745 L
349 L more cargo volume than the average Sedan
822 L
83 L more cargo volume than the average Crossover
Largest cargo capacity (SAE)
The largest cargo capacity using SAE, the method commonly used in the US.
If only one SAE figure is published, the standard and largest values are the same.
1,645 L
Class benchmark unavailable.
1,689 L
182 L less cargo volume than the average Crossover
DriveSize space efficiency
DriveSize space efficiency compares blended cargo volume per square meter of footprint with the class average.
Blended cargo uses 65% of the standard figure and 35% of the largest figure within the selected cargo measurement method.
VDA values compare with VDA class averages, and SAE values compare with SAE class averages. Positive percentages indicate more space efficiency and negative percentages indicate less.
-13%
VDA: Less space efficient than the average Crossover
Rear view
Details
Doors, seats, weight, maneuverability
With more doors, the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach‑E is more practical for passengers to enter and exit. There is no advantage for either model when it comes to passenger numbers, since both offer a 5-seat configuration. Expect to put in a little more work in the 2016 Tesla Model S during tight turns, given its 0.7 m wider radius. With 58 kg less to pull around, the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach‑E may offer slightly sharper handling than the 2016 Tesla Model S.
Measurements
Doors
4
5 (+1)
Max. seats
5
5
Turning circle
12.3 m (+0.7)
11.6 m
Curb weight
2,027 kg (+58)
1,969 kg
How each car compares with its class average
Turning circle
12.3 m
1.2 m larger turning circle than the average Sedan
11.6 m
0.4 m larger turning circle than the average Crossover
Curb weight
2,027 kg
505 kg heavier than the average Sedan
1,969 kg
337 kg heavier than the average Crossover
DriveSize manoeuvrability
DriveSize manoeuvrability combines turning circle and footprint, with turning circle weighted more heavily.
A positive percentage means more manoeuvrable than the class average and a negative percentage means less manoeuvrable.
-11%
Less manoeuvrable than the average Sedan
-4%
Less manoeuvrable than the average Crossover
Parking
Will the 2016 Tesla Model S or 2021 Ford Mustang Mach‑E fit in a standard parking space?
2016 Tesla Model S parking fit score
DriveSize compares the car's width and length with typical parking-space sizes by region.
Vehicle dimensions are rounded up and available side or length clearance is rounded down.
Side clearance is based on body width where available; real spaces can vary because of mirrors, walls, pillars, kerbs, bay markings, and nearby cars.
For an average USA / Canada space: body side clearance is 39 cm per side, and length clearance is 26.5 cm at each end.
Body side clearance
39 cm
Length clearance (at each end)
26.5 cm
2021 Ford Mustang Mach‑E parking fit score
DriveSize compares the car's width and length with typical parking-space sizes by region.
Vehicle dimensions are rounded up and available side or length clearance is rounded down.
Side clearance is based on body width where available; real spaces can vary because of mirrors, walls, pillars, kerbs, bay markings, and nearby cars.
For an average USA / Canada space: body side clearance is 43 cm per side, and length clearance is 39 cm at each end.
Body side clearance
43 cm
Length clearance (at each end)
39 cm
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Vehicle specifications on this page are sourced from official Tesla and Ford documentation. Unless the page identifies a specific trim, body style, powertrain or market version, DriveSize uses manufacturer-published specifications for the base model as its default reference. DriveSize standardises the published measurements and calculates the comparisons and derived figures shown. Figures can vary by market, model year, trim, powertrain, wheels, tyres and measurement method. How DriveSize sources and calculates these figures.