2016 Tesla Model S vs 2021 Tesla Model S
Which is bigger, the 2016 Tesla Model S or 2021 Tesla Model S?
Key dimensions: length, width, height
The length difference between these two cars comes down to just 5.1 cm, which places both vehicles firmly in the same length range. Both cars are well-matched in width, with the 2021 Tesla Model S adding only 2.3 cm to the 2016 Tesla Model S’s profile. Both cars share a very similar height profile with a difference of only 1.5 cm, meaning overhead clearance in garages will be essentially the same. Sitting with 2.3 cm higher ground clearance, the 2016 Tesla Model S is better prepared for those unexpected potholes than the 2021 Tesla Model S. Since both vehicles have the same wheelbase, you can expect a near-identical balance in terms of ride comfort and composure.
Measurements
Length
497 cm
502.1 cm (+5.1)
Height
144.5 cm (+1.5)
143 cm
Body width
196.4 cm
198.7 cm (+2.3)
Width including mirrors
218.9 cm
218.9 cm
Ground clearance
14 cm (+2.3)
11.7 cm
Wheelbase
296 cm
296 cm
Footprint
DriveSize footprint is overall length multiplied by body width.
9.8 m²
10 m² (+0.2)
How each car compares with its class average
Length
497 cm
24.1 cm longer than the average Sedan
502.1 cm
29.2 cm longer than the average Sedan
Height
144.5 cm
1.3 cm shorter than the average Sedan
143 cm
2.8 cm shorter than the average Sedan
Body width
196.4 cm
13.4 cm wider than the average Sedan
198.7 cm
15.7 cm wider than the average Sedan
Width including mirrors
218.9 cm
13.3 cm wider than the average Sedan
218.9 cm
13.3 cm wider than the average Sedan
Ground clearance
14 cm
Same ground clearance as the average Sedan
11.7 cm
2.3 cm less ground clearance than the average Sedan
Wheelbase
296 cm
17.9 cm longer wheelbase than the average Sedan
296 cm
17.9 cm longer wheelbase than the average Sedan
Footprint
DriveSize footprint is overall length multiplied by body width.
9.8 m²
1.1 m² larger footprint than the average Sedan
10 m²
1.3 m² larger footprint than the average Sedan
Front view
Cargo Capacity: which has more space?
Standard and largest cargo capacity
Choosing between these depends on your needs; the 2016 Tesla Model S offers more standard boot space of (745 L SAE), but the 2021 Tesla Model S is the better choice for any bigger loads.
Measurements
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 (+36)
709 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.
1,645 L
1,739 L (+94)
Frunk capacity
60 L
89 L (+29)
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 (+0.3)
213 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.
108.6 L per m² (+1.4)
107.2 L per m²
How each car compares with its class average
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
709 L
313 L more cargo volume than the average Sedan
Rear view
Details
Doors, seats, weight, maneuverability
Both vehicles offer the same entry arrangement, with the 2016 Tesla Model S and 2021 Tesla Model S each built in a 4-door format. There is no advantage for either model when it comes to passenger numbers, since both offer a 5-seat configuration. Both vehicles share the exact same turning circle of 12.3 m, meaning they require the same amount of space for a full U-turn. Neither car feels significantly "heavier" than the other when driving, as there's only a 48 kg difference in their curb weights.
Measurements
Doors
4
4
Max. seats
5
5
Turning circle
12.3 m
12.3 m
Curb weight
2,027 kg
2,075 kg (+48)
How each car compares with its class average
Turning circle
12.3 m
1.2 m larger turning circle than the average Sedan
12.3 m
1.2 m larger turning circle than the average Sedan
Curb weight
2,027 kg
505 kg heavier than the average Sedan
2,075 kg
553 kg heavier 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.
-11%
Less manoeuvrable than the average Sedan
-11%
Less manoeuvrable than the average Sedan
Parking
Will the 2016 Tesla Model S or 2021 Tesla Model S fit in a standard parking space?
2016 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
2021 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 38 cm per side, and length clearance is 23.5 cm at each end.
Body side clearance
38 cm
Length clearance (at each end)
23.5 cm
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Vehicle specifications on this page are sourced from official Tesla 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.