2016 Tesla Model S vs 2023 Volkswagen ID.3
Which is bigger, the 2016 Tesla Model S or 2023 Volkswagen ID.3?
Key dimensions: length, width, height
At 70.6 cm longer, 2016 Tesla Model S sits well ahead of 2023 Volkswagen ID.3 in terms of body length. At 15.5 cm wider, the 2016 Tesla Model S belongs to a completely different size class, offering a potential level of shoulder room the 2023 Volkswagen ID.3 can't match. On paper, the 2023 Volkswagen ID.3 is taller by 11.9 cm, but just to look at, they appear essentially the same height. The 2023 Volkswagen ID.3 will likely be the more agile choice in tight turns, sitting 19 cm shorter between the axles than the 2016 Tesla Model S.
Measurements
Length
497 cm (+70.6)
426.4 cm
Height
144.5 cm
156.4 cm (+11.9)
Width (excluding mirrors)
196.4 cm (+15.5)
180.9 cm
Width (including mirrors)
218.9 cm
207 cm
Ground clearance
14 cm (+19)
N/A
Wheelbase
296 cm (+2)
277 cm
How each car compares with its class average
Length
497 cm
24.1 cm longer than the average Sedan
426.4 cm
11.2 cm longer than the average Hatchback
Height
144.5 cm
1.3 cm shorter than the average Sedan
156.4 cm
8.5 cm taller than the average Hatchback
Width (excluding mirrors)
196.4 cm
13.4 cm wider than the average Sedan
180.9 cm
4.4 cm wider than the average Hatchback
Width (including mirrors)
218.9 cm
13.3 cm wider than the average Sedan
207 cm
7.5 cm wider than the average Hatchback
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
277 cm
17.9 cm longer wheelbase than the average Hatchback
Front view
Cargo Capacity: which has more space?
Standard and largest cargo capacity
Comparing 744.7 L (SAE) to 385 L (VDA) is difficult due to the differing measurement methods, but the 2016 Tesla Model S’s seats up capacity is way above average for its size class. The 2016 Tesla Model S offers 1,645.2 L (SAE) with the seats stowed, a figure that is way above average for sedan, while the 2023 Volkswagen ID.3 follows the VDA standard (1,267 L), which is way above average for 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.
N/A
385 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
1,267 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 (+50.6)
162.7 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 (+18.6)
89.9 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.
N/A
385 L
42 L more cargo volume than the average Hatchback
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
1,267 L
149 L more cargo volume than the average Hatchback
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.
108%
VDA: above class average (+8%)
Rear view
Details
Doors, seats, weight, maneuverability
The 2016 Tesla Model S trades the extra access points of the 2023 Volkswagen ID.3 for a more cohesive and solid body design with just 4 doors. Whether you'd choose the 2016 Tesla Model S or the 2023 Volkswagen ID.3, you’ll have space for up to 5 occupants. When comparing the two, the 2016 Tesla Model S is much less suited to tight city centers, requiring a full 2 m more room to U-turn than the 2023 Volkswagen ID.3.
Measurements
Doors
4
5 (+1)
Max. seats
5
5
Turning circle
12.3 m (+2)
10.3 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
10.3 m
0.1 m smaller turning circle than the average Hatchback
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
99%
1% less manoeuvrable than the average Hatchback
Parking
Will the 2016 Tesla Model S or 2023 Volkswagen ID.3 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
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
FAQs