2021 Volkswagen Polo vs 1962 Peel P50
Which is bigger, the 2021 Volkswagen Polo or 1962 Peel P50?
Key dimensions: length, width, height
The 2021 Volkswagen Polo is over 270.2 cm longer than the 1962 Peel P50, which is an enormous difference in length. The 2021 Volkswagen Polo is a massive 76 cm wider than the 1962 Peel P50, highlighting a complete shift in vehicle purpose and design. There is a staggering 25.1 cm between their rooflines, with the 2021 Volkswagen Polo looming high above the 1962 Peel P50. The 2021 Volkswagen Polo is in a league of its own, with a wheelbase that is 135.2 cm longer than the 1962 Peel P50.
Measurements
Length
407.4 cm (+270.2)
137.2 cm
Height
145.1 cm (+25.1)
120 cm
Width (excluding mirrors)
175.1 cm (+76)
99.1 cm
Ground clearance
N/A (+135.2)
12.7 cm
Wheelbase
255.2 cm (+5.8)
120 cm
How each car compares with its class average
Length
407.4 cm
7.8 cm shorter than the average Hatchback
137.2 cm
161.7 cm shorter than the average Microcar
Height
145.1 cm
2.8 cm shorter than the average Hatchback
120 cm
36 cm shorter than the average Microcar
Width (excluding mirrors)
175.1 cm
1.4 cm narrower than the average Hatchback
99.1 cm
48.2 cm narrower than the average Microcar
Ground clearance
N/A
12.7 cm
1.5 cm less ground clearance than the average Microcar
Wheelbase
255.2 cm
3.9 cm shorter wheelbase than the average Hatchback
120 cm
86.7 cm shorter wheelbase than the average Microcar
Front view


Cargo Capacity: which has more space?
Standard and largest cargo capacity
The 2021 Volkswagen Polo offers a known 0 L (VDA) cargo capacity with its seats up, which is average for microcar vehicles. The 2021 Volkswagen Polo provides a way above average 1,125 L for the microcar segment for cargo space 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.
351 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.
1,125 L
N/A
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.
152.7 L per m
N/A
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.
87.2 L per m²
N/A
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.
351 L
8 L more cargo volume than the average Hatchback
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.
1,125 L
7 L more cargo volume than the average Hatchback
N/A
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.
105%
VDA: above class average (+5%)
Rear view


Details
Doors, seats, weight, maneuverability
With more doors, the 2021 Volkswagen Polo is more practical for passengers to enter and exit. With a 4-seat advantage, the 2021 Volkswagen Polo is clearly built to carry far larger groups than the 1962 Peel P50. The 1962 Peel P50 is in a different league of agility, requiring a massive 6.94 m less space to turn than the 2021 Volkswagen Polo. We’re talking about a 998 kg weight shift, which places these two vehicles in completely different worlds of physics.
Measurements
Doors
5 (+4)
1
Max. seats
5 (+4)
1
Turning circle
10.6 m (+6.9)
3.7 m
Curb weight
1,057 kg (+998)
59 kg
How each car compares with its class average
Turning circle
10.6 m
0.2 m larger turning circle than the average Hatchback
3.7 m
4.6 m smaller turning circle than the average Microcar
Curb weight
1,057 kg
196 kg lighter than the average Hatchback
59 kg
643 kg lighter than the average Microcar
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.
100%
0% less manoeuvrable than the average Hatchback
102%
2% more manoeuvrable than the average Microcar
Parking
Will the 2021 Volkswagen Polo or 1962 Peel P50 fit in a standard parking space?
2021 Volkswagen Polo 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 49.5 cm per side (excluding mirrors), and length clearance is 71 cm at each end.
Body side clearance (excluding mirrors)
49.5 cm
Length clearance (at each end)
71 cm
1962 Peel P50 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 87.5 cm per side (excluding mirrors), and length clearance is 206 cm at each end.
Body side clearance (excluding mirrors)
87.5 cm
Length clearance (at each end)
206 cm
Articles featuring these cars
View all
What Is Wheelbase? Car Wheelbase Meaning & Why It Matters
Learn what wheelbase means, how it affects ride comfort, handling, turning circle and interior space, and why it matters when choosing your next car.

Will Your Car Fit in a Standard Parking Space? Parking Space Sizes Explained
Find out if your car will fit in a standard parking space. Compare UK, US and international parking bay sizes, and check real vehicle fit with DriveSize.

Smallest Car vs the Giants: Peel P50 vs Cybertruck, F-150, Land Cruiser, Palisade & Wrangler
How tiny is the Peel P50 really? See it compared with giants like the Cybertruck, F-150, Land Cruiser, Palisade and Wrangler using real dimensions.

Smallest Car in the World? Peel P50 vs Today’s City Cars (Sandero, Golf & More)
How tiny is the Peel P50? See it compared to today’s city cars including the VW Golf, Toyota Corolla, Dacia Sandero, VW Polo and ID.3 in real dimensions.

How to Understand Car Dimensions: Length, Width, Wheelbase and More
Confused by car dimensions? Learn how length, width, height, wheelbase and ground clearance affect comfort, space and performance. The ultimate 2025 guide for smart car buyers.
FAQs





