2008 Tesla Roadster vs 2017 Tesla Model 3
Which is bigger, the 2008 Tesla Roadster or 2017 Tesla Model 3?
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
394.6 cm
469.5 cm (+74.9)
Height
112.7 cm
144.5 cm (+31.8)
Width (excluding mirrors)
171.9 cm
185 cm (+13.1)
Width (including mirrors)
185.1 cm
208.8 cm (+1)
Ground clearance
13 cm
14 cm (+52.4)
Wheelbase
235.1 cm
287.5 cm (+1.9)
How each car compares with its class average
Length
394.6 cm
51.9 cm shorter than the average Sports car
469.5 cm
3.4 cm shorter than the average Sedan
Height
112.7 cm
16.7 cm shorter than the average Sports car
144.5 cm
1.3 cm shorter than the average Sedan
Width (excluding mirrors)
171.9 cm
15.3 cm narrower than the average Sports car
185 cm
2 cm wider than the average Sedan
Width (including mirrors)
185.1 cm
24.1 cm narrower than the average Sports car
208.8 cm
3.2 cm wider than the average Sedan
Ground clearance
13 cm
1.5 cm more ground clearance than the average Sports car
14 cm
Same ground clearance as the average Sedan
Wheelbase
235.1 cm
28.4 cm shorter wheelbase than the average Sports car
287.5 cm
9.4 cm longer wheelbase than the average Sedan
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.
N/A
561 L
Frunk capacity
N/A
88 L
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.
N/A
561 L
165 L more cargo volume than the average Sedan
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 0.55 m in turning circle separates these two, meaning they handle tight car parks almost equally.
Measurements
Doors
2
4 (+2)
Max. seats
2
5 (+3)
Turning circle
11.1 m
11.6 m (+0.5)
Curb weight
1,235 kg
N/A
How each car compares with its class average
Turning circle
11.1 m
0.1 m smaller turning circle than the average Sports car
11.6 m
0.5 m larger turning circle than the average Sedan
Curb weight
1,235 kg
340 kg lighter than the average Sports car
N/A
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.
107%
7% more manoeuvrable than the average Sports car
96%
4% less manoeuvrable than the average Sedan
Parking
Will the 2008 Tesla Roadster or 2017 Tesla Model 3 fit in a standard parking space?
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 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 51.5 cm per side (excluding mirrors), and length clearance is 77.5 cm at each end.
Body side clearance (excluding mirrors)
51.5 cm
Length clearance (at each end)
77.5 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 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 45 cm per side (excluding mirrors), and length clearance is 40 cm at each end.
Body side clearance (excluding mirrors)
45 cm
Length clearance (at each end)
40 cm
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