2023 Volkswagen ID.3 vs 2013 Tesla Model S
Which is bigger, the 2023 Volkswagen ID.3 or 2013 Tesla Model S?
Key dimensions: length, width, height
The 2013 Tesla Model S offers a massive 70.6 cm of extra length, which changes the silhouette and stance compared to the 2023 Volkswagen ID.3. The head-on difference is large: the 2013 Tesla Model S adds 15.4 cm to the width of the 2023 Volkswagen ID.3, fundamentally changing the interior volume and exterior bulk. When comparing height, you'd more easily see the 2023 Volkswagen ID.3 in a car park; it stands a full 13.7 cm taller than the 2013 Tesla Model S. If you drive these cars, you'll notice the 2013 Tesla Model S feels a bit more planted on the motorway thanks to its 19 cm wheelbase advantage.
Measurements
Length
426.4 cm
497 cm (+70.6)
Height
156.4 cm (+13.7)
142.7 cm
Width (excluding mirrors)
180.9 cm
196.3 cm (+15.4)
Width (including mirrors)
207 cm
218.9 cm
Ground clearance
N/A
15.5 cm (+19)
Wheelbase
277 cm
296 cm (+2)
How each car compares with its class average
Length
426.4 cm
11.2 cm longer than the average Hatchback
497 cm
24.1 cm longer than the average Sedan
Height
156.4 cm
8.5 cm taller than the average Hatchback
142.7 cm
3.1 cm shorter than the average Sedan
Width (excluding mirrors)
180.9 cm
4.4 cm wider than the average Hatchback
196.3 cm
13.3 cm wider than the average Sedan
Width (including mirrors)
207 cm
7.5 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
277 cm
17.9 cm longer wheelbase than the average Hatchback
296 cm
17.9 cm longer wheelbase than the average Sedan
Front view
Cargo Capacity: which has more space?
Standard and largest cargo capacity
Because 2013 Tesla Model S (SAE) and 2023 Volkswagen ID.3 (VDA) use different measurement logic for their seats up cargo space, the numbers are difficult to compare. For context, the 2013 Tesla Model S offers 744.7L, which is way above average for sedans. The 2013 Tesla Model S uses the SAE cargo capacity measurement method, making its maximum 1,645.2 L capacity way above average when compared to the average sedan. The 2023 Volkswagen ID.3 uses the VDA cargo capacity measurement method, its 1,267 L capacity is way above average when compared to the average hatchback.
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.
385 L
N/A
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.
1,267 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.
162.7 L per m
213.3 L per m (+50.6)
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.
89.9 L per m²
108.6 L per m² (+18.7)
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.
385 L
42 L more cargo volume than the average Hatchback
N/A
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.
1,267 L
149 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
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.
108%
VDA: above class average (+8%)
Rear view
Details
Doors, seats, weight, maneuverability
With 5 doors, the 2023 Volkswagen ID.3 offers more points of entry than the 2013 Tesla Model S, which typically makes loading passengers or gear into the back easier. You’ll find the same passenger limits in both models, as they each feature a 5-seat interior layout. In urban environments, the 2023 Volkswagen ID.3's 1 m shorter turning circle provides a helpful difference in everyday convenience.
Measurements
Doors
5 (+1)
4
Max. seats
5
5
Turning circle
10.3 m
11.3 m (+1)
Curb weight
N/A
1,999 kg
How each car compares with its class average
Turning circle
10.3 m
0.1 m smaller turning circle than the average Hatchback
11.3 m
0.2 m larger turning circle than the average Sedan
Curb weight
N/A
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.
99%
1% less manoeuvrable than the average Hatchback
95%
5% less manoeuvrable than the average Sedan
Parking
Will the 2023 Volkswagen ID.3 or 2013 Tesla Model S fit in a standard parking space?
2023 Volkswagen ID.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 47 cm per side (excluding mirrors), and length clearance is 61.5 cm at each end.
Body side clearance (excluding mirrors)
47 cm
Length clearance (at each end)
61.5 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.
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