2016 Tesla Model S vs 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan
Which is bigger, the 2016 Tesla Model S or 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan?
Key dimensions: length, width, height
The 2016 Tesla Model S offers a massive 43.1 cm of extra length, which changes the silhouette and stance compared to the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan. At 12.2 cm wider, the 2016 Tesla Model S occupies a bit more of the lane than the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan, giving it more road presence. A 21.5 cm height difference means the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan will feel much more substantial when you're behind the wheel compared to the 2016 Tesla Model S. With a 28.4 cm longer wheelbase, the 2016 Tesla Model S steps into a more comfortable tier of ride quality than the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan.
Measurements
Length
497 cm (+43.1)
453.9 cm
Height
144.5 cm
166 cm (+21.5)
Width (excluding mirrors)
196.4 cm (+12.2)
184.2 cm
Width (including mirrors)
218.9 cm
N/A
Ground clearance
14 cm (+28.4)
N/A
Wheelbase
296 cm (+1.4)
267.6 cm
How each car compares with its class average
Length
497 cm
24.1 cm longer than the average Sedan
453.9 cm
1.3 cm longer than the average Crossover
Height
144.5 cm
1.3 cm shorter than the average Sedan
166 cm
3.2 cm taller than the average Crossover
Width (excluding mirrors)
196.4 cm
13.4 cm wider than the average Sedan
184.2 cm
0.7 cm narrower than the average Crossover
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
267.6 cm
4.8 cm shorter wheelbase than the average Crossover
Front view


Cargo Capacity: which has more space?
Standard and largest cargo capacity
A direct comparison between the 2016 Tesla Model S’s 744.7 L (SAE) and the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan’s 652 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 Tiguan is way above average for its class. Comparing maximum cargo space is a challenge here as 2016 Tesla Model S is measured at 1,645.2 L (SAE) while 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan uses the VDA standard. That said, the 2016 Tesla Model S is way above average for the sedan 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.
N/A
652 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
1,650 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
220.6 L per m (+7.3)
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
119.8 L per m² (+11.2)
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
652 L
207 L more cargo volume than the average Crossover
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
1,650 L
142 L more cargo volume than the average Crossover
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.
121%
VDA: above class average (+21%)
Rear view


Details
Doors, seats, weight, maneuverability
With an extra 1 doors, the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan makes loading child seats or shopping easier than in the 4-door 2016 Tesla Model S. Whether you'd choose the 2016 Tesla Model S or the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan, you’ll have space for up to 5 occupants. You’ll appreciate the 0.6 m tighter turning circle of the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan when navigating cramped multi-storey car parks. A 317 kg gap in curb weight is considerable, with the 2016 Tesla Model S likely to feel more substantial to drive than the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan, especially under braking and when changing direction.
Measurements
Doors
4
5 (+1)
Max. seats
5
5
Turning circle
12.3 m (+0.6)
11.7 m
Curb weight
2,027 kg (+317)
1,710 kg
How each car compares with its class average
Turning circle
12.3 m
1.2 m larger turning circle than the average Sedan
11.7 m
0.5 m larger turning circle than the average Crossover
Curb weight
2,027 kg
505 kg heavier than the average Sedan
1,710 kg
78 kg heavier than the average Crossover
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
97%
3% less manoeuvrable than the average Crossover
Parking
Will the 2016 Tesla Model S or 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan 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 Tiguan 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 45 cm per side (excluding mirrors), and length clearance is 48 cm at each end.
Body side clearance (excluding mirrors)
45 cm
Length clearance (at each end)
48 cm
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