2023 Volkswagen ID.3 vs 2017 Tesla Model 3
Which is bigger, the 2023 Volkswagen ID.3 or 2017 Tesla Model 3?
Key dimensions: length, width, height
The figures show the 2017 Tesla Model 3 is 43.1 cm longer in comparison to the 2023 Volkswagen ID.3, which is a significant difference. You’d be hard-pressed to notice the width difference between these two vehicles in a lane, as the 2017 Tesla Model 3 is only 4.1 cm wider than the 2023 Volkswagen ID.3. In terms of height, the two are very closely matched, with the 2023 Volkswagen ID.3 standing just 11.9 cm taller than the 2017 Tesla Model 3. The 2017 Tesla Model 3 has a 10.5 cm longer wheelbase, which often translates to extra "stretch-out" room in the back.
Measurements
Length
426.4 cm
469.5 cm (+43.1)
Height
156.4 cm (+11.9)
144.5 cm
Body width
180.9 cm
185 cm (+4.1)
Width including mirrors
207 cm
208.8 cm (+1.8)
Ground clearance
N/A
14 cm
Wheelbase
277 cm
287.5 cm (+10.5)
Footprint
DriveSize footprint is overall length multiplied by body width.
7.7 m²
8.7 m² (+1)
How each car compares with its class average
Length
426.4 cm
11.2 cm longer than the average Hatchback
469.5 cm
3.4 cm shorter than the average Sedan
Height
156.4 cm
8.5 cm taller than the average Hatchback
144.5 cm
1.3 cm shorter than the average Sedan
Body width
180.9 cm
4.4 cm wider than the average Hatchback
185 cm
2 cm wider than the average Sedan
Width including mirrors
207 cm
7.5 cm wider than the average Hatchback
208.8 cm
3.2 cm wider than the average Sedan
Ground clearance
N/A
14 cm
Same ground clearance as the average Sedan
Wheelbase
277 cm
17.9 cm longer wheelbase than the average Hatchback
287.5 cm
9.4 cm longer wheelbase than the average Sedan
Footprint
DriveSize footprint is overall length multiplied by body width.
7.7 m²
0.4 m² larger footprint than the average Hatchback
8.7 m²
0 m² larger footprint than the average Sedan
Front view
Cargo Capacity: which has more space?
Standard and largest cargo capacity
2017 Tesla Model 3 offers 561 L using the SAE method, which is above average for its segment. 2023 Volkswagen ID.3's 385 L uses the different VDA standard, and is average for its segment. With its seats down, the 2023 Volkswagen ID.3 has 1,267 L of space for your belongings, which is way above average for its segment.
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.
385 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.
1,267 L
N/A
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
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.
162.7 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.
89.9 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.
385 L
42 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.
1,267 L
149 L more cargo volume than the average Hatchback
N/A
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
DriveSize space efficiency
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 values compare with VDA class averages, and SAE values compare with SAE class averages. Positive percentages indicate more space efficiency and negative percentages indicate less.
+8%
VDA: More space efficient than the average Hatchback
Rear view
Details
Doors, seats, weight, maneuverability
With 1 more door(s) than the 2017 Tesla Model 3, the 2023 Volkswagen ID.3 should be more practical for those wanting to carry passengers or luggage. Both 2017 Tesla Model 3 and 2023 Volkswagen ID.3 are designed to accommodate up to 5 people. You’ll appreciate the 1.3 m tighter turning circle of the 2023 Volkswagen ID.3 when navigating cramped multi-storey car parks.
Measurements
Doors
5 (+1)
4
Max. seats
5
5
Turning circle
10.3 m
11.6 m (+1.3)
How each car compares with its class average
Turning circle
10.3 m
0.1 m smaller turning circle than the average Hatchback
11.6 m
0.5 m larger turning circle than the average Sedan
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.
-1%
Less manoeuvrable than the average Hatchback
-4%
Less manoeuvrable than the average Sedan
Parking
Will the 2023 Volkswagen ID.3 or 2017 Tesla Model 3 fit in a standard parking space?
2023 Volkswagen ID.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 47 cm per side, and length clearance is 61.5 cm at each end.
Body side clearance
47 cm
Length clearance (at each end)
61.5 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 Volkswagen and 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.