DriveSize

2024 Volkswagen Golf vs 2013 Tesla Model S

Side view of the 2013 Tesla Model S
Side view of the 2024 Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

2024

Tesla Model S

2013

Side view of the 2024 Volkswagen Golf
Change car

Select unit of measurement:

Which is bigger, the 2024 Volkswagen Golf or 2013 Tesla Model S?

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

428.2 cm

497 cm (+68.8)

Height

148.3 cm (+5.6)

142.7 cm

Width (excluding mirrors)

178.9 cm

196.3 cm (+17.4)

Width (including mirrors)

207.3 cm

218.9 cm

Ground clearance

N/A

15.5 cm (+34)

Wheelbase

262 cm

296 cm (+2.1)

How each car compares with its class average

Length

428.2 cm

13 cm longer than the average Hatchback

497 cm

24.1 cm longer than the average Sedan

Height

148.3 cm

0.4 cm taller than the average Hatchback

142.7 cm

3.1 cm shorter than the average Sedan

Width (excluding mirrors)

178.9 cm

2.4 cm wider than the average Hatchback

196.3 cm

13.3 cm wider than the average Sedan

Width (including mirrors)

207.3 cm

7.8 cm wider than the average Hatchback

218.9 cm

13.3 cm wider than the average Sedan

Ground clearance

N/A

15.5 cm

1.5 cm more ground clearance than the average Sedan

Wheelbase

262 cm

2.9 cm longer wheelbase than the average Hatchback

296 cm

17.9 cm longer wheelbase than the average Sedan

Front view

Front view of the 2024 Volkswagen Golf
Front view of the 2013 Tesla Model S

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 744.7 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 1,645.2 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.

381 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.

N/A

745 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.

N/A

1,645 L

Frunk capacity

N/A

150 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.

N/A

213.3 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

108.6 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.

381 L

38 L more cargo volume than the average Hatchback

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.

N/A

745 L

349 L more cargo volume than the average Sedan

Rear view

Rear view of the 2024 Volkswagen Golf
Rear view of the 2013 Tesla Model S

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

5 (+1)

4

Max. seats

5

5

Turning circle

11.1 m

11.3 m (+0.2)

Curb weight

1,307 kg

1,999 kg (+692)

How each car compares with its class average

Turning circle

11.1 m

0.7 m larger turning circle than the average Hatchback

11.3 m

0.2 m larger turning circle than the average Sedan

Curb weight

1,307 kg

54 kg heavier than the average Hatchback

1,999 kg

477 kg heavier than the average Sedan

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.

94%

6% less manoeuvrable than the average Hatchback

95%

5% less manoeuvrable than the average Sedan

Parking

Will the 2024 Volkswagen Golf or 2013 Tesla Model S fit in a standard parking space?

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 excluding mirrors where available; real spaces can vary because of mirrors, walls, pillars, kerbs, bay markings, and nearby cars.

OK

For an average USA / Canada space: body side clearance is 48 cm per side (excluding mirrors), and length clearance is 60.5 cm at each end.

Body side clearance (excluding mirrors)

48 cm

Length clearance (at each end)

60.5 cm

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 excluding mirrors where available; real spaces can vary because of mirrors, walls, pillars, kerbs, bay markings, and nearby cars.

OK

For an average USA / Canada space: body side clearance is 39 cm per side (excluding mirrors), and length clearance is 26.5 cm at each end.

Body side clearance (excluding mirrors)

39 cm

Length clearance (at each end)

26.5 cm

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

By DriveSize