2017 Tesla Model 3 vs 2008 Tesla Roadster
Which is bigger, the 2017 Tesla Model 3 or 2008 Tesla Roadster?
Key dimensions: length, width, height
Measured bumper to bumper, 2017 Tesla Model 3 extends 74.9 cm beyond 2008 Tesla Roadster, marking a substantial length advantage. There is a moderate step up in width; the 2017 Tesla Model 3 extends 13.1 cm further than the 2008 Tesla Roadster. The difference in height is dramatic, with the 2017 Tesla Model 3 standing 31.8 cm taller than the 2008 Tesla Roadster. Clearance is effectively a tie, with the 2017 Tesla Model 3 leading by just 1 cm. With a 52.4 cm shorter wheelbase, the 2008 Tesla Roadster is the clear winner for tight multi-storey car parks compared to the 2017 Tesla Model 3.
Measurements
Length
469.5 cm (+74.9)
394.6 cm
Height
144.5 cm (+31.8)
112.7 cm
Body width
185 cm (+13.1)
171.9 cm
Width including mirrors
208.8 cm (+23.7)
185.1 cm
Ground clearance
14 cm (+1)
13 cm
Wheelbase
287.5 cm (+52.4)
235.1 cm
Footprint
DriveSize footprint is overall length multiplied by body width.
8.7 m² (+1.9)
6.8 m²
How each car compares with its class average
Length
469.5 cm
3.4 cm shorter than the average Sedan
394.6 cm
51.9 cm shorter than the average Sports car
Height
144.5 cm
1.3 cm shorter than the average Sedan
112.7 cm
16.7 cm shorter than the average Sports car
Body width
185 cm
2 cm wider than the average Sedan
171.9 cm
15.3 cm narrower than the average Sports car
Width including mirrors
208.8 cm
3.2 cm wider than the average Sedan
185.1 cm
24.1 cm narrower than the average Sports car
Ground clearance
14 cm
Same ground clearance as the average Sedan
13 cm
1.5 cm more ground clearance than the average Sports car
Wheelbase
287.5 cm
9.4 cm longer wheelbase than the average Sedan
235.1 cm
28.4 cm shorter wheelbase than the average Sports car
Footprint
DriveSize footprint is overall length multiplied by body width.
8.7 m²
0 m² larger footprint than the average Sedan
6.8 m²
1.6 m² smaller footprint than the average Sports car
Front view
Cargo Capacity: which has more space?
Standard and largest cargo capacity
The 2017 Tesla Model 3 has 561 L (SAE) of cargo space with its seats up, which is above average compared to the class average for sedan.
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.
561 L
N/A
Frunk capacity
88 L
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.
561 L
165 L more cargo volume than the average Sedan
N/A
Rear view
Details
Doors, seats, weight, maneuverability
With more doors, the 2017 Tesla Model 3 is more practical for passengers to enter and exit. The decent 3-seat difference in passenger capacity means the 2017 Tesla Model 3 is more family-friendly than the 2008 Tesla Roadster. A minor 0.5 m in turning circle separates these two, meaning they handle tight car parks almost equally.
Measurements
Doors
4 (+2)
2
Max. seats
5 (+3)
2
Turning circle
11.6 m (+0.5)
11.1 m
Curb weight
N/A
1,235 kg
How each car compares with its class average
Turning circle
11.6 m
0.5 m larger turning circle than the average Sedan
11.1 m
0.1 m smaller turning circle than the average Sports car
Curb weight
N/A
1,235 kg
340 kg lighter than the average Sports car
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.
-4%
Less manoeuvrable than the average Sedan
+7%
More manoeuvrable than the average Sports car
Parking
Will the 2017 Tesla Model 3 or 2008 Tesla Roadster fit in a standard parking space?
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
2008 Tesla Roadster 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 51.5 cm per side, and length clearance is 77.5 cm at each end.
Body side clearance
51.5 cm
Length clearance (at each end)
77.5 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.