2017 Tesla Model 3 vs 2022 Volkswagen Virtus
Which is bigger, the 2017 Tesla Model 3 or 2022 Volkswagen Virtus?
Key dimensions: length, width, height
At 13.4 cm shorter, the 2022 Volkswagen Virtus could be the nimbler choice for city drivers compared to the 2017 Tesla Model 3. At 9.8 cm wider, the 2017 Tesla Model 3 occupies a bit more of the lane than the 2022 Volkswagen Virtus, giving it more road presence. A 6.2 cm difference in height ensures the 2022 Volkswagen Virtus is the more visible of the two in a busy car park compared to the 2017 Tesla Model 3. The 2022 Volkswagen Virtus has a 3.9 cm higher clearance than the 2017 Tesla Model 3, which helps clear speed bumps more easily. The 2017 Tesla Model 3 offers 22.4 cm more between the tires thanks to its wheelbase advantage, which is usually a sign of a more spacious cabin.
Measurements
Length
469.5 cm (+13.4)
456.1 cm
Height
144.5 cm
150.7 cm (+6.2)
Body width
185 cm (+9.8)
175.2 cm
Width including mirrors
208.8 cm
N/A
Ground clearance
14 cm
17.9 cm (+3.9)
Wheelbase
287.5 cm (+22.4)
265.1 cm
Footprint
DriveSize footprint is overall length multiplied by body width.
8.7 m² (+0.7)
8 m²
How each car compares with its class average
Length
469.5 cm
3.4 cm shorter than the average Sedan
456.1 cm
16.8 cm shorter than the average Sedan
Height
144.5 cm
1.3 cm shorter than the average Sedan
150.7 cm
4.9 cm taller than the average Sedan
Body width
185 cm
2 cm wider than the average Sedan
175.2 cm
7.8 cm narrower than the average Sedan
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
17.9 cm
3.9 cm more ground clearance than the average Sedan
Wheelbase
287.5 cm
9.4 cm longer wheelbase than the average Sedan
265.1 cm
13 cm shorter wheelbase than the average Sedan
Footprint
DriveSize footprint is overall length multiplied by body width.
8.7 m²
0 m² larger footprint than the average Sedan
8 m²
0.7 m² smaller footprint than the average Sedan
Front view
Cargo Capacity: which has more space?
Standard and largest cargo capacity
Comparing 561 L (SAE) to 521 L (VDA) is difficult due to the differing measurement methods, but the 2017 Tesla Model 3’s seats up capacity is above average for its size class. The 2022 Volkswagen Virtus offers 1,050 L (VDA) of total cargo volume, 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
521 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
1,050 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
154.8 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
88.4 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
521 L
46 L more cargo volume than the average Sedan
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
When it comes to doors, there is no difference between the 2017 Tesla Model 3 and 2022 Volkswagen Virtus, with each using a 4-door configuration. In terms of passenger capacity, there is no difference here, with both vehicles providing a maximum of 5 seats. The 2022 Volkswagen Virtus offers a much more effortless driving experience in cramped spaces with its 1.5 m turning circle advantage compared with 2017 Tesla Model 3.
Measurements
Doors
4
4
Max. seats
5
5
Turning circle
11.6 m (+1.5)
10.1 m
Curb weight
N/A
1,100 kg
How each car compares with its class average
Turning circle
11.6 m
0.5 m larger turning circle than the average Sedan
10.1 m
1 m smaller turning circle than the average Sedan
Curb weight
N/A
1,100 kg
422 kg lighter 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.
-4%
Less manoeuvrable than the average Sedan
+9%
More manoeuvrable than the average Sedan
Parking
Will the 2017 Tesla Model 3 or 2022 Volkswagen Virtus 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 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
2022 Volkswagen Virtus 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 49.5 cm per side, and length clearance is 46.5 cm at each end.
Body side clearance
49.5 cm
Length clearance (at each end)
46.5 cm
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FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Vehicle specifications on this page are sourced from official Tesla and Volkswagen 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.