2021 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2017 Tesla Model 3
Which is bigger, the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 or 2017 Tesla Model 3?
Key dimensions: length, width, height
Measuring 11.1 cm more from front to rear bumper, the 2017 Tesla Model 3 provides that extra bit of "stretch" over the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4. The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 is barely wider than the 2017 Tesla Model 3, with a tiny 0.2 cm gap that you’d need a tape measure to truly spot. The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 utilises its extra 16.7 cm of height to maximise cabin volume, making it feel larger inside than the 2017 Tesla Model 3. A 2 cm larger ground clearance gap gives the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 a slightly more capable feel when the pavement gets rough vs the 2017 Tesla Model 3. The 2017 Tesla Model 3 offers a slightly longer wheelbase, which typically translates to a smoother ride over bumps.
Measurements
Length
458.4 cm
469.5 cm (+11.1)
Height
161.2 cm (+16.7)
144.5 cm
Body width
185.2 cm (+0.2)
185 cm
Width including mirrors
210.8 cm (+2)
208.8 cm
Ground clearance
16 cm (+2)
14 cm
Wheelbase
276.6 cm
287.5 cm (+10.9)
Footprint
DriveSize footprint is overall length multiplied by body width.
8.5 m²
8.7 m² (+0.2)
How each car compares with its class average
Length
458.4 cm
5.8 cm longer than the average Crossover
469.5 cm
3.4 cm shorter than the average Sedan
Height
161.2 cm
1.6 cm shorter than the average Crossover
144.5 cm
1.3 cm shorter than the average Sedan
Body width
185.2 cm
0.3 cm wider than the average Crossover
185 cm
2 cm wider than the average Sedan
Width including mirrors
210.8 cm
4.4 cm wider than the average Crossover
208.8 cm
3.2 cm wider than the average Sedan
Ground clearance
16 cm
2.1 cm less ground clearance than the average Crossover
14 cm
Same ground clearance as the average Sedan
Wheelbase
276.6 cm
4.2 cm longer wheelbase than the average Crossover
287.5 cm
9.4 cm longer wheelbase than the average Sedan
Footprint
DriveSize footprint is overall length multiplied by body width.
8.5 m²
0.1 m² larger footprint than the average Crossover
8.7 m²
0 m² larger footprint than the average Sedan
Front view
Cargo Capacity: which has more space?
Standard and largest cargo capacity
For storage space with the seats up, there's no contest here; the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 effectively provides several moving boxes of extra storage compared to the 2017 Tesla Model 3. The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offers 1,575 L (VDA) of total cargo volume, which is way above average for crossover.
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.
543 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.
1,575 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.
858 L (+297)
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.
1,818 L
N/A
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.
197.3 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.
106.5 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.
543 L
98 L more cargo volume than the average Crossover
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.
1,575 L
67 L more cargo volume than the average Crossover
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.
858 L
119 L more cargo volume than the average Crossover
561 L
165 L more cargo volume than the average Sedan
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.
1,818 L
53 L less cargo volume than the average Crossover
N/A
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 Crossover
Rear view
Details
Doors, seats, weight, maneuverability
With an extra 1 doors, the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 makes loading child seats or shopping easier than in the 4-door 2017 Tesla Model 3. In terms of seating capacity, the 2017 Tesla Model 3 matches the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 exactly, with each accommodating up to 5 people. The vehicles have a near identical turning circle, with just a 1.4 m difference.
Measurements
Doors
5 (+1)
4
Max. seats
5
5
Turning circle
10.2 m
11.6 m (+1.4)
Curb weight
1,891 kg
N/A
How each car compares with its class average
Turning circle
10.2 m
1 m smaller turning circle than the average Crossover
11.6 m
0.5 m larger turning circle than the average Sedan
Curb weight
1,891 kg
259 kg heavier than the average Crossover
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.
+7%
More manoeuvrable than the average Crossover
-4%
Less manoeuvrable than the average Sedan
Parking
Will the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 or 2017 Tesla Model 3 fit in a standard parking space?
2021 Volkswagen ID.4 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 44.5 cm per side, and length clearance is 45.5 cm at each end.
Body side clearance
44.5 cm
Length clearance (at each end)
45.5 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.