2017 Tesla Model 3 vs 2024 Volkswagen Passat
Which is bigger, the 2017 Tesla Model 3 or 2024 Volkswagen Passat?
Key dimensions: length, width, height
The 2024 Volkswagen Passat measures an extra 22.2 cm in length, providing a slightly more substantial footprint on the road than the 2017 Tesla Model 3. The width difference of 0.1 cm is negligible between the 2017 Tesla Model 3 and 2024 Volkswagen Passat, meaning both will feel similar when navigating narrow city lanes. The 2024 Volkswagen Passat gains 5.2 cm in height over the 2017 Tesla Model 3, which often translates to more generous interior headroom. The 2017 Tesla Model 3 features a 3.4 cm longer wheelbase, a marginal difference that won't significantly change the turning circle.
Measurements
Length
469.5 cm
491.7 cm (+22.2)
Height
144.5 cm
149.7 cm (+5.2)
Width (excluding mirrors)
185 cm (+0.1)
184.9 cm
Width (including mirrors)
208.8 cm
N/A
Ground clearance
14 cm (+3.4)
N/A
Wheelbase
287.5 cm
284.1 cm (+0.4)
How each car compares with its class average
Length
469.5 cm
3.4 cm shorter than the average Sedan
491.7 cm
17.2 cm longer than the average Estate
Height
144.5 cm
1.3 cm shorter than the average Sedan
149.7 cm
2.4 cm taller than the average Estate
Width (excluding mirrors)
185 cm
2 cm wider than the average Sedan
184.9 cm
0.8 cm wider than the average Estate
Width (including mirrors)
208.8 cm
3.2 cm wider than the average Sedan
N/A
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
284.1 cm
6.4 cm longer wheelbase than the average Estate
Front view
Cargo Capacity: which has more space?
Standard and largest cargo capacity
The SAE-rated 2017 Tesla Model 3 and VDA-rated 2024 Volkswagen Passat can't be compared directly for cargo space; however, 2017 Tesla Model 3 offers 561 L which is above average for sedan. With the rear seats down, the 2017 Tesla Model 3 provides 1,920 L of space when using the VDA measurement method, which is way above average for sedan.
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
690 L
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.
N/A
1,920 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
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.
N/A
227.9 L per m
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.
N/A
123.2 L per m²
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
690 L
142 L more cargo volume than the average Estate
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.
N/A
1,920 L
351 L more cargo volume than the average Estate
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
DriveSize space efficiency score
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 scores compare with VDA class averages, and SAE scores compare with SAE class averages. Around 100% means in line with class average.
119%
VDA: above class average (+19%)
Rear view
Details
Doors, seats, weight, maneuverability
With 1 more door(s) than the 2017 Tesla Model 3, the 2024 Volkswagen Passat should be more practical for those wanting to carry passengers or luggage. Both 2017 Tesla Model 3 and 2024 Volkswagen Passat are designed to accommodate up to 5 people. The 2017 Tesla Model 3 is the slightly nimbler of the two when pulling a U-turn, though by a very narrow 0.4 m margin.
Measurements
Doors
4
5 (+1)
Max. seats
5
5
Turning circle
11.6 m
12 m (+0.4)
Curb weight
N/A
1,578 kg
How each car compares with its class average
Turning circle
11.6 m
0.5 m larger turning circle than the average Sedan
12 m
0.8 m larger turning circle than the average Estate
Curb weight
N/A
1,578 kg
17 kg lighter than the average Estate
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 Estate
Parking
Will the 2017 Tesla Model 3 or 2024 Volkswagen Passat 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 Passat 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 29 cm at each end.
Body side clearance (excluding mirrors)
45 cm
Length clearance (at each end)
29 cm
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