DriveSize

2016 Tesla Model S vs 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan

Side view of the 2016 Tesla Model S
Side view of the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan

Tesla Model S

2016

Volkswagen Tiguan

2024

Side view of the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan
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Select unit of measurement:

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)

Body width

196.4 cm (+12.2)

184.2 cm

Width including mirrors

218.9 cm

N/A

Ground clearance

14 cm

N/A

Wheelbase

296 cm (+28.4)

267.6 cm

Footprint

DriveSize footprint is overall length multiplied by body width.

9.8 m² (+1.4)

8.4 m²

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

Body width

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

Footprint

DriveSize footprint is overall length multiplied by body width.

9.8 m²

1.1 m² larger footprint than the average Sedan

8.4 m²

0 m² smaller footprint than the average Crossover

Front view

Front view of the 2016 Tesla Model S
Front view of the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan

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 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 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

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 values compare with VDA class averages, and SAE values compare with SAE class averages. Positive percentages indicate more space efficiency and negative percentages indicate less.

+21%

VDA: More space efficient than the average Crossover

Rear view

Rear view of the 2016 Tesla Model S
Rear view of the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan

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

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

-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 where available; real spaces can vary because of mirrors, walls, pillars, kerbs, bay markings, and nearby cars.

OK

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

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 where available; real spaces can vary because of mirrors, walls, pillars, kerbs, bay markings, and nearby cars.

OK

For an average USA / Canada space: body side clearance is 45 cm per side, and length clearance is 48 cm at each end.

Body side clearance

45 cm

Length clearance (at each end)

48 cm

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

By DriveSize •

Vehicle specifications on this page are sourced from official Tesla and Volkswagen 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.