2024 Volkswagen Golf vs 2016 Tesla Model S
Which is bigger, the 2024 Volkswagen Golf or 2016 Tesla Model S?
Key dimensions: length, width, height
At 68.8 cm longer, 2016 Tesla Model S sits well ahead of 2024 Volkswagen Golf in terms of body length. Navigation requires more care in the 2016 Tesla Model S, as it stretches an extra 17.5 cm across the lane compared to the slender by comparison 2024 Volkswagen Golf. On paper, the 2024 Volkswagen Golf is taller by 3.8 cm, but just to look at, they appear essentially the same height. High-speed stability is a major win for the 2016 Tesla Model S when compared to the 2024 Volkswagen Golf, as its wheels sit a full 34 cm further apart.
Measurements
Length
428.2 cm
497 cm (+68.8)
Height
148.3 cm (+3.8)
144.5 cm
Body width
178.9 cm
196.4 cm (+17.5)
Width including mirrors
207.3 cm
218.9 cm (+11.6)
Ground clearance
N/A
14 cm
Wheelbase
262 cm
296 cm (+34)
Footprint
DriveSize footprint is overall length multiplied by body width.
7.7 m²
9.8 m² (+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
144.5 cm
1.3 cm shorter than the average Sedan
Body width
178.9 cm
2.4 cm wider than the average Hatchback
196.4 cm
13.4 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
14 cm
Same ground clearance as 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
Footprint
DriveSize footprint is overall length multiplied by body width.
7.7 m²
0.3 m² larger footprint than the average Hatchback
9.8 m²
1.1 m² larger footprint than the average Sedan
Front view
Cargo Capacity: which has more space?
Standard and largest cargo capacity
A direct comparison between the 2016 Tesla Model S’s 745 L (SAE) and the 2024 Volkswagen Golf’s 381 L (VDA) cargo capacity isn't possible due to different measurement methods, but the 2016 Tesla Model S is way above average for its class. The 2024 Volkswagen Golf is average for its class. The 2016 Tesla Model S's 1,645 L (SAE) capacity with the seats down is way above average for its segment.
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
60 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
Details
Doors, seats, weight, maneuverability
The 4-door 2016 Tesla Model S means slightly less convenience for rear-seat access compared to the 2024 Volkswagen Golf. In terms of passenger capacity, there is no difference here, with both vehicles providing a maximum of 5 seats. The 2024 Volkswagen Golf is noticeably more agile in tight spots, boasting a turning circle 1.2 m tighter than the 2016 Tesla Model S. You’ll feel every bit of that 720 kg difference when trying to accelerate or change direction in the 2016 Tesla Model S compared to 2024 Volkswagen Golf.
Measurements
Doors
5 (+1)
4
Max. seats
5
5
Turning circle
11.1 m
12.3 m (+1.2)
Curb weight
1,307 kg
2,027 kg (+720)
How each car compares with its class average
Turning circle
11.1 m
0.7 m larger turning circle than the average Hatchback
12.3 m
1.2 m larger turning circle than the average Sedan
Curb weight
1,307 kg
54 kg heavier than the average Hatchback
2,027 kg
505 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.
-6%
Less manoeuvrable than the average Hatchback
-11%
Less manoeuvrable than the average Sedan
Parking
Will the 2024 Volkswagen Golf or 2016 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 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
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
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FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Vehicle specifications on this page are sourced from official Volkswagen and 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.