2016 Tesla Model S vs 2017 Tesla Model 3
Which is bigger, the 2016 Tesla Model S or 2017 Tesla Model 3?
Key dimensions: length, width, height
The 2016 Tesla Model S would require an extra 27.5 cm of garage space length compared to the more compact 2017 Tesla Model 3. At 11.4 cm wider, the 2016 Tesla Model S occupies a bit more of the lane than the 2017 Tesla Model 3, giving it more road presence. There is no difference in height between the 2017 Tesla Model 3 and the 2016 Tesla Model S, as both stand at 144.5 cm. There is no difference in ground clearance here, with both vehicles sitting at 14 cm above the ground. The 2016 Tesla Model S features a 8.5 cm longer wheelbase, a marginal difference that won't significantly change the turning circle.
Measurements
Length
497 cm (+27.5)
469.5 cm
Height
144.5 cm
144.5 cm
Body width
196.4 cm (+11.4)
185 cm
Width including mirrors
218.9 cm (+10.1)
208.8 cm
Ground clearance
14 cm
14 cm
Wheelbase
296 cm (+8.5)
287.5 cm
Footprint
DriveSize footprint is overall length multiplied by body width.
9.8 m² (+1.1)
8.7 m²
How each car compares with its class average
Length
497 cm
24.1 cm longer than the average Sedan
469.5 cm
3.4 cm shorter than the average Sedan
Height
144.5 cm
1.3 cm shorter than the average Sedan
144.5 cm
1.3 cm shorter than the average Sedan
Body width
196.4 cm
13.4 cm wider than the average Sedan
185 cm
2 cm wider than the average Sedan
Width including mirrors
218.9 cm
13.3 cm wider than the average Sedan
208.8 cm
3.2 cm wider than the average Sedan
Ground clearance
14 cm
Same ground clearance as the average Sedan
14 cm
Same ground clearance as the average Sedan
Wheelbase
296 cm
17.9 cm longer wheelbase than the average Sedan
287.5 cm
9.4 cm longer wheelbase than the average Sedan
Footprint
DriveSize footprint is overall length multiplied by body width.
9.8 m²
1.1 m² larger footprint than the average Sedan
8.7 m²
0 m² larger footprint than the average Sedan
Front view
Cargo Capacity: which has more space?
Standard and largest cargo capacity
The 2016 Tesla Model S offers a substantial 184 L (SAE) advantage over the 2017 Tesla Model 3, providing enough extra room to fit two large suitcases in the boot with the seats up. With its seats down, the 2016 Tesla Model S has 1,645 L of space for your belongings, which is way above average for its segment.
Measurements
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 (+184)
561 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.
1,645 L
N/A
Frunk capacity
60 L
88 L (+28)
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
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.
108.6 L per m²
N/A
How each car compares with its class average
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
561 L
165 L more cargo volume than the average Sedan
Rear view
Details
Doors, seats, weight, maneuverability
Door count is consistent across the two models, with both the 2017 Tesla Model 3 and 2016 Tesla Model S featuring 4 doors. Both the 2017 Tesla Model 3 and the 2016 Tesla Model S offer seating for 5, meaning they are equally capable when it comes to carrying passengers. You’ll appreciate the 0.7 m tighter turning circle of the 2017 Tesla Model 3 when navigating cramped multi-storey car parks.
Measurements
Doors
4
4
Max. seats
5
5
Turning circle
12.3 m (+0.7)
11.6 m
Curb weight
2,027 kg
N/A
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
0.5 m larger turning circle than the average Sedan
Curb weight
2,027 kg
505 kg heavier than the average Sedan
N/A
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 Sedan
Parking
Will the 2016 Tesla Model S or 2017 Tesla Model 3 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
2017 Tesla Model 3 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 45 cm per side, and length clearance is 40 cm at each end.
Body side clearance
45 cm
Length clearance (at each end)
40 cm
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FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Vehicle specifications on this page are sourced from official Tesla 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.