2013 Tesla Model S vs 2024 Volkswagen Golf
Which is bigger, the 2013 Tesla Model S or 2024 Volkswagen Golf?
Key dimensions: length, width, height
The 2013 Tesla Model S offers a massive 68.8 cm of extra length, which changes the silhouette and stance compared to the 2024 Volkswagen Golf. The 2013 Tesla Model S is a substantial 17.4 cm wider than the 2024 Volkswagen Golf, which will be immediately obvious the moment you pull into a standard parking space. The extra 5.6 cm of height in the 2024 Volkswagen Golf creates a slightly more airy feel inside the cabin than in the 2013 Tesla Model S. With a 34 cm shorter wheelbase, the 2024 Volkswagen Golf is the clear winner for tight multi-storey car parks compared to the 2013 Tesla Model S.
Measurements
Length
497 cm (+68.8)
428.2 cm
Height
142.7 cm
148.3 cm (+5.6)
Body width
196.3 cm (+17.4)
178.9 cm
Width including mirrors
218.9 cm (+11.6)
207.3 cm
Ground clearance
15.5 cm
N/A
Wheelbase
296 cm (+34)
262 cm
Footprint
DriveSize footprint is overall length multiplied by body width.
9.8 m² (+2.1)
7.7 m²
How each car compares with its class average
Length
497 cm
24.1 cm longer than the average Sedan
428.2 cm
13 cm longer than the average Hatchback
Height
142.7 cm
3.1 cm shorter than the average Sedan
148.3 cm
0.4 cm taller than the average Hatchback
Body width
196.3 cm
13.3 cm wider than the average Sedan
178.9 cm
2.4 cm wider than the average Hatchback
Width including mirrors
218.9 cm
13.3 cm wider than the average Sedan
207.3 cm
7.8 cm wider than the average Hatchback
Ground clearance
15.5 cm
1.5 cm more ground clearance than the average Sedan
N/A
Wheelbase
296 cm
17.9 cm longer wheelbase than the average Sedan
262 cm
2.9 cm longer wheelbase than the average Hatchback
Footprint
DriveSize footprint is overall length multiplied by body width.
9.8 m²
1.1 m² larger footprint than the average Sedan
7.7 m²
0.3 m² larger footprint than the average Hatchback
Front view
Cargo Capacity: which has more space?
Standard and largest cargo capacity
The SAE-rated 2013 Tesla Model S and VDA-rated 2024 Volkswagen Golf can't be compared directly for cargo space; however, 2013 Tesla Model S offers 745 L which is way above average for sedan. The 2013 Tesla Model S is the only model in this pair with confirmed cargo stats, with a 1,645 L (SAE) capacity with the seats down that is way above average for its class.
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
381 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.
745 L
N/A
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.
1,645 L
N/A
Frunk capacity
150 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.
213.3 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.
108.6 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.
N/A
381 L
38 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.
745 L
349 L more cargo volume than the average Sedan
N/A
Rear view
Details
Doors, seats, weight, maneuverability
With 5 doors, the 2024 Volkswagen Golf offers more points of entry than the 2013 Tesla Model S, which typically makes loading passengers or gear into the back easier. Both the 2013 Tesla Model S and the 2024 Volkswagen Golf offer seating for 5, meaning they are equally capable when it comes to carrying passengers. The vehicles have a near identical turning circle, with just a 0.2 m difference. This 692 kg weight gap is massive, fundamentally changing everything from braking to suspension wear.
Measurements
Doors
4
5 (+1)
Max. seats
5
5
Turning circle
11.3 m (+0.2)
11.1 m
Curb weight
1,999 kg (+692)
1,307 kg
How each car compares with its class average
Turning circle
11.3 m
0.2 m larger turning circle than the average Sedan
11.1 m
0.7 m larger turning circle than the average Hatchback
Curb weight
1,999 kg
477 kg heavier than the average Sedan
1,307 kg
54 kg heavier than the average Hatchback
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.
-5%
Less manoeuvrable than the average Sedan
-6%
Less manoeuvrable than the average Hatchback
Parking
Will the 2013 Tesla Model S or 2024 Volkswagen Golf fit in a standard parking space?
2013 Tesla Model S 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 39 cm per side, and length clearance is 26.5 cm at each end.
Body side clearance
39 cm
Length clearance (at each end)
26.5 cm
2024 Volkswagen Golf 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 48 cm per side, and length clearance is 60.5 cm at each end.
Body side clearance
48 cm
Length clearance (at each end)
60.5 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.