2017 Tesla Model 3 vs 2024 Volkswagen Golf
Which is bigger, the 2017 Tesla Model 3 or 2024 Volkswagen Golf?
Key dimensions: length, width, height
Measured bumper to bumper, 2017 Tesla Model 3 extends 41.3 cm beyond 2024 Volkswagen Golf, marking a substantial length advantage. The 2017 Tesla Model 3 is significantly wider, which may offer more shoulder room inside but could make tight parking garages more challenging. Entering and exiting either vehicle will feel much the same, given the 2024 Volkswagen Golf is only 3.8 cm taller than the 2017 Tesla Model 3. Even the 25.5 cm wheelbase advantage helps the 2017 Tesla Model 3 feel like a larger, more composed vehicle than the 2024 Volkswagen Golf.
Measurements
Length
469.5 cm (+41.3)
428.2 cm
Height
144.5 cm
148.3 cm (+3.8)
Width (excluding mirrors)
185 cm (+6.1)
178.9 cm
Width (including mirrors)
208.8 cm
207.3 cm
Ground clearance
14 cm (+25.5)
N/A
Wheelbase
287.5 cm (+1)
262 cm
How each car compares with its class average
Length
469.5 cm
3.4 cm shorter than the average Sedan
428.2 cm
13 cm longer than the average Hatchback
Height
144.5 cm
1.3 cm shorter than the average Sedan
148.3 cm
0.4 cm taller than the average Hatchback
Width (excluding mirrors)
185 cm
2 cm wider than the average Sedan
178.9 cm
2.4 cm wider than the average Hatchback
Width (including mirrors)
208.8 cm
3.2 cm wider than the average Sedan
207.3 cm
7.8 cm wider than the average Hatchback
Ground clearance
14 cm
Same ground clearance as the average Sedan
N/A
Wheelbase
287.5 cm
9.4 cm longer wheelbase than the average Sedan
262 cm
2.9 cm longer wheelbase than the average Hatchback
Front view
Cargo Capacity: which has more space?
Standard and largest cargo capacity
These two cars follow different measurement methods: SAE for the 2017 Tesla Model 3 and VDA for the 2024 Volkswagen Golf, so instead of a direct cargo space comparison, segment averages are the best way to gauge their relative utility. The 2017 Tesla Model 3’s 561 L capacity with seats up is above average for its class, and the 2024 Volkswagen Golf’s 381 L capacity is average for its class.
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.
N/A
381 L
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 (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.
N/A
381 L
38 L more cargo volume than the average Hatchback
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
Choosing the 2017 Tesla Model 3 means managing with 1 fewer door(s), but this usually means a cleaner looking side profile than the 5-door 2024 Volkswagen Golf. Both the 2017 Tesla Model 3 and the 2024 Volkswagen Golf offer seating for 5, meaning they are equally capable when it comes to carrying passengers. The 2024 Volkswagen Golf is the slightly nimbler of the two when pulling a U-turn, though by a very narrow 0.5 m margin.
Measurements
Doors
4
5 (+1)
Max. seats
5
5
Turning circle
11.6 m (+0.5)
11.1 m
Curb weight
N/A
1,307 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
0.7 m larger turning circle than the average Hatchback
Curb weight
N/A
1,307 kg
54 kg heavier than the average Hatchback
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 Sedan
94%
6% less manoeuvrable than the average Hatchback
Parking
Will the 2017 Tesla Model 3 or 2024 Volkswagen Golf 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 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
2024 Volkswagen Golf 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 48 cm per side (excluding mirrors), and length clearance is 60.5 cm at each end.
Body side clearance (excluding mirrors)
48 cm
Length clearance (at each end)
60.5 cm
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