2021 Ford Mustang Mach‑E vs 2016 Tesla Model S
Which is bigger, the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach‑E or 2016 Tesla Model S?
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
471.3 cm
497 cm (+25.7)
Height
162.5 cm (+18)
144.5 cm
Width (excluding mirrors)
188.1 cm
196.4 cm (+8.3)
Width (including mirrors)
209.7 cm (+0.5)
218.9 cm
Ground clearance
14.5 cm (+2.4)
14 cm
Wheelbase
298.4 cm
296 cm (+0.9)
How each car compares with its class average
Length
471.3 cm
18.7 cm longer than the average Crossover
497 cm
24.1 cm longer than the average Sedan
Height
162.5 cm
0.3 cm shorter than the average Crossover
144.5 cm
1.3 cm shorter than the average Sedan
Width (excluding mirrors)
188.1 cm
3.2 cm wider than the average Crossover
196.4 cm
13.4 cm wider than the average Sedan
Width (including mirrors)
209.7 cm
3.3 cm wider than the average Crossover
218.9 cm
13.3 cm wider than the average Sedan
Ground clearance
14.5 cm
3.6 cm less ground clearance than the average Crossover
14 cm
Same ground clearance as the average Sedan
Wheelbase
298.4 cm
26 cm longer wheelbase than the average Crossover
296 cm
17.9 cm longer wheelbase than the average Sedan
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 77.3 L more space with the seats up and a noticeable 43.8 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.
402 L
N/A
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.
1,420 L
N/A
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.
822 L (+77)
745 L
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.
1,689 L (+44)
1,645 L
Frunk capacity
81 L (+22)
60 L
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.
160.9 L per m
213.3 L per m (+52.4)
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.
85.5 L per m²
108.6 L per m² (+23)
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.
402 L
43 L less cargo volume than the average Crossover
N/A
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.
1,420 L
88 L less cargo volume than the average Crossover
N/A
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.
822 L
83 L more cargo volume than the average Crossover
745 L
349 L more cargo volume than the average Sedan
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.
1,689 L
182 L less cargo volume than the average Crossover
1,645 L
Class benchmark unavailable.
DriveSize space efficiency score
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 scores compare with VDA class averages, and SAE scores compare with SAE class averages. Around 100% means in line with class average.
87%
VDA: below class average (-13%)
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
5 (+1)
4
Max. seats
5
5
Turning circle
11.6 m
12.3 m (+0.7)
Curb weight
1,969 kg
2,027 kg (+58)
How each car compares with its class average
Turning circle
11.6 m
0.4 m larger turning circle than the average Crossover
12.3 m
1.2 m larger turning circle than the average Sedan
Curb weight
1,969 kg
337 kg heavier than the average Crossover
2,027 kg
505 kg heavier than the average Sedan
DriveSize manoeuvrability score
DriveSize manoeuvrability score combines turning circle and footprint, with turning circle weighted more heavily.
Around 100% means in line with the class average; higher scores indicate better manoeuvrability relative to similar cars.
96%
4% less manoeuvrable than the average Crossover
89%
11% less manoeuvrable than the average Sedan
Parking
Will the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach‑E or 2016 Tesla Model S fit in a standard parking space?
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 excluding mirrors 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 (excluding mirrors), and length clearance is 39 cm at each end.
Body side clearance (excluding mirrors)
43 cm
Length clearance (at each end)
39 cm
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 excluding mirrors 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 (excluding mirrors), and length clearance is 26.5 cm at each end.
Body side clearance (excluding mirrors)
39 cm
Length clearance (at each end)
26.5 cm
FAQs






