2016 Tesla Model S vs 2024 Volkswagen Golf Estate
Which is bigger, the 2016 Tesla Model S or 2024 Volkswagen Golf Estate?
Key dimensions: length, width, height
At 33.9 cm longer, the 2016 Tesla Model S offers a bit more physical presence on the road without sacrificing much in the way of urban agility compared to the 2024 Volkswagen Golf Estate. The head-on difference is large: the 2016 Tesla Model S adds 17.5 cm to the width of the 2024 Volkswagen Golf Estate, fundamentally changing the interior volume and exterior bulk. The 2024 Volkswagen Golf Estate is barely taller than the 2016 Tesla Model S, with a tiny 4.2 cm gap that won't impact multi-storey car park access. The 2024 Volkswagen Golf Estate will likely be the more agile choice in tight turns, sitting 29.1 cm shorter between the axles than the 2016 Tesla Model S.
Measurements
Length
497 cm (+33.9)
463.1 cm
Height
144.5 cm
148.7 cm (+4.2)
Width (excluding mirrors)
196.4 cm (+17.5)
178.9 cm
Width (including mirrors)
218.9 cm
N/A
Ground clearance
14 cm (+29.1)
N/A
Wheelbase
296 cm (+1.5)
266.9 cm
How each car compares with its class average
Length
497 cm
24.1 cm longer than the average Sedan
463.1 cm
11.4 cm shorter than the average Estate
Height
144.5 cm
1.3 cm shorter than the average Sedan
148.7 cm
1.4 cm taller than the average Estate
Width (excluding mirrors)
196.4 cm
13.4 cm wider than the average Sedan
178.9 cm
5.2 cm narrower than the average Estate
Width (including mirrors)
218.9 cm
13.3 cm wider than the average Sedan
N/A
Ground clearance
14 cm
Same ground clearance as the average Sedan
N/A
Wheelbase
296 cm
17.9 cm longer wheelbase than the average Sedan
266.9 cm
10.8 cm shorter wheelbase than the average Estate
Front view
Cargo Capacity: which has more space?
Standard and largest cargo capacity
These two cars follow different measurement methods: SAE for the 2016 Tesla Model S and VDA for the 2024 Volkswagen Golf Estate, so instead of a direct cargo space comparison, segment averages are the best way to gauge their relative utility. The 2016 Tesla Model S’s 744.7 L capacity with seats up is way above average for its class, and the 2024 Volkswagen Golf Estate’s 611 L capacity is average for its class. Because these two models use different measurement standards (VDA vs SAE) for total cargo volume, they can't be directly compared. But for context, the 2016 Tesla Model S maximum capacity 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
611 L
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.
N/A
1,642 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
60 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 (+3.4)
209.9 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
117.3 L per m² (+8.7)
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.
N/A
611 L
63 L more cargo volume than the average Estate
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.
N/A
1,642 L
73 L more cargo volume than the average Estate
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
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.
113%
VDA: above class average (+13%)
Rear view
Details
Doors, seats, weight, maneuverability
With 5 doors, the 2024 Volkswagen Golf Estate offers more points of entry than the 2016 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 2024 Volkswagen Golf Estate's 1 m shorter turning circle provides a helpful difference in everyday convenience.
Measurements
Doors
4
5 (+1)
Max. seats
5
5
Turning circle
12.3 m (+1)
11.3 m
Curb weight
2,027 kg
N/A
How each car compares with its class average
Turning circle
12.3 m
1.2 m larger turning circle than the average Sedan
11.3 m
0.1 m larger turning circle than the average Estate
Curb weight
2,027 kg
505 kg heavier than the average Sedan
N/A
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.
89%
11% less manoeuvrable than the average Sedan
101%
1% more manoeuvrable than the average Estate
Parking
Will the 2016 Tesla Model S or 2024 Volkswagen Golf Estate 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 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
2024 Volkswagen Golf Estate 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 48 cm per side (excluding mirrors), and length clearance is 43 cm at each end.
Body side clearance (excluding mirrors)
48 cm
Length clearance (at each end)
43 cm
More Estates
FAQs