2017 Tesla Model 3 vs 2021 Volkswagen Polo
Which is bigger, the 2017 Tesla Model 3 or 2021 Volkswagen Polo?
Key dimensions: length, width, height
The 2017 Tesla Model 3 offers a massive 62.1 cm of extra length, which changes the silhouette and stance compared to the 2021 Volkswagen Polo. The 2017 Tesla Model 3 is significantly wider, which may offer more shoulder room inside but could make tight parking garages more challenging. The 2021 Volkswagen Polo measures 0.6 cm taller than the 2017 Tesla Model 3, a small difference that won't change your view of the road. The 2017 Tesla Model 3 is 32.3 cm longer in the wheelbase, putting it in a completely different category of ride and comfort when compared to the 2021 Volkswagen Polo.
Measurements
Length
469.5 cm (+62.1)
407.4 cm
Height
144.5 cm
145.1 cm (+0.6)
Width (excluding mirrors)
185 cm (+9.9)
175.1 cm
Width (including mirrors)
208.8 cm
N/A
Ground clearance
14 cm (+32.3)
N/A
Wheelbase
287.5 cm (+1.6)
255.2 cm
How each car compares with its class average
Length
469.5 cm
3.4 cm shorter than the average Sedan
407.4 cm
7.8 cm shorter than the average Hatchback
Height
144.5 cm
1.3 cm shorter than the average Sedan
145.1 cm
2.8 cm shorter than the average Hatchback
Width (excluding mirrors)
185 cm
2 cm wider than the average Sedan
175.1 cm
1.4 cm narrower than the average Hatchback
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
255.2 cm
3.9 cm shorter wheelbase than the average Hatchback
Front view
Cargo Capacity: which has more space?
Standard and largest cargo capacity
Due to the differing VDA vs SAE measurement methods, a direct comparison for cargo space isn't possible, but the 2017 Tesla Model 3’s 561 L is above average for its class. The 2021 Volkswagen Polo offers 1,125 L (VDA) of total cargo volume, which is below 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
351 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
1,125 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
152.7 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
87.2 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
351 L
8 L more cargo volume than the average Hatchback
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
1,125 L
7 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
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.
105%
VDA: above class average (+5%)
Rear view
Details
Doors, seats, weight, maneuverability
With an extra 1 doors, the 2021 Volkswagen Polo makes loading child seats or shopping easier than in the 4-door 2017 Tesla Model 3. In terms of passenger capacity, there is no difference here, with both vehicles providing a maximum of 5 seats. You’ll appreciate the 1 m tighter turning circle of the 2021 Volkswagen Polo when navigating cramped multi-storey car parks.
Measurements
Doors
4
5 (+1)
Max. seats
5
5
Turning circle
11.6 m (+1)
10.6 m
Curb weight
N/A
1,057 kg
How each car compares with its class average
Turning circle
11.6 m
0.5 m larger turning circle than the average Sedan
10.6 m
0.2 m larger turning circle than the average Hatchback
Curb weight
N/A
1,057 kg
196 kg lighter 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
100%
0% less manoeuvrable than the average Hatchback
Parking
Will the 2017 Tesla Model 3 or 2021 Volkswagen Polo 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
2021 Volkswagen Polo 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 49.5 cm per side (excluding mirrors), and length clearance is 71 cm at each end.
Body side clearance (excluding mirrors)
49.5 cm
Length clearance (at each end)
71 cm
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