2008 Tesla Roadster vs 2021 Tesla Model S

Tesla Roadster

2008

Tesla Model S

2021

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Which is bigger, the 2008 Tesla Roadster or 2021 Tesla Model S?

Key dimensions: length, width, height

The 2008 Tesla Roadster is about 1.3 cm higher than the 2021 Tesla Model S, while the 2021 Tesla Model S is about 107.4 cm longer, 13.6 cm wider, and 30.4 cm taller than the 2008 Tesla Roadster.

Length: 3947 mm
Height: 1127 mm
Width (excluding mirrors): 1851 mm
Width (including mirrors): 1851 mm
Ground clearance: 130 mm
Wheelbase: 2351 mm

Length: 5021 mm
Height: 1431 mm
Width (excluding mirrors): 1987 mm
Width (including mirrors): 2189 mm
Ground clearance: 117 mm
Wheelbase: 2960 mm

Front view

Cargo Capacity: which has more space?

Minimum and maximum cargo space

The 2021 Tesla Model S offers about 685 L more cargo space with the seats up (SAE/EPA seats up) than the 2008 Tesla Roadster.

Min. cargo capacity (VDA seats up): —
Max. cargo capacity (VDA seats down): —
Min. cargo capacity (SAE/EPA seats up): 113 L
Max. cargo capacity (SAE/EPA seats down): —

Min. cargo capacity (VDA seats up): —
Max. cargo capacity (VDA seats down): —
Min. cargo capacity (SAE/EPA seats up): 798 L
Max. cargo capacity (SAE/EPA seats down): 1828 L

Rear view

Details

Doors, seats, weight, maneuverability

The 2021 Tesla Model S has a wheelbase about 60.9 cm longer than the 2008 Tesla Roadster. The 2008 Tesla Roadster weighs about 833 kg less than the 2021 Tesla Model S. The 2008 Tesla Roadster needs about 1.2 m less space to turn than the 2021 Tesla Model S. The 2021 Tesla Model S has 2 more doors than the 2008 Tesla Roadster. The 2021 Tesla Model S has 3 more seats than the 2008 Tesla Roadster.

Doors: 2
Max. seats: 2
Turning circle: 11.1 m
Curb weight: 1235 kg

Doors: 4
Max. seats: 5
Turning circle: 12.3 m
Curb weight: 2068 kg

Parking space fit

Use this parking space fit visualiser to compare the 2008 Tesla Roadster and 2021 Tesla Model S against standard parking spaces in your region. Select a region to check parking bay width and length side by side for garages, driveways, and tight city car parks.

2008 Tesla Roadster

Space width

Car width (exc. mirrors)

Space length

Car length

2021 Tesla Model S

Space width

Car width (exc. mirrors)

Space length

Car length

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Frequently asked questions

Which is bigger: the 2008 Tesla Roadster or the 2021 Tesla Model S?

The 2021 Tesla Model S is longer than the 2008 Tesla Roadster by 107.4 cm (42.3 in). The 2021 Tesla Model S is wider than the 2008 Tesla Roadster by 13.6 cm (5.4 in). The 2021 Tesla Model S is taller than the 2008 Tesla Roadster by 30.4 cm (12 in).

Which car has more cargo/boot space: the 2008 Tesla Roadster or the 2021 Tesla Model S?

Based on the SAE/EPA seats-up rating, the 2021 Tesla Model S has 685 L more cargo/boot space than the 2008 Tesla Roadster.

Does the 2008 Tesla Roadster or the 2021 Tesla Model S seat more passengers?

2021 Tesla Model S seats up to 5 passengers, while 2008 Tesla Roadster seats up to 2.

Which car is heavier: the 2008 Tesla Roadster or the 2021 Tesla Model S?

The 2021 Tesla Model S is 833 kg (1836 lb) heavier than the 2008 Tesla Roadster.

Which car is easier to maneuver/park: the 2008 Tesla Roadster or the 2021 Tesla Model S?

The 2008 Tesla Roadster is easier to maneuver and park, with a smaller turning circle of 11.1 m (36.3 ft) compared with 12.3 m (40.4 ft) for the 2021 Tesla Model S. In tight spaces, the 2008 Tesla Roadster is shorter overall and narrower, which makes it easier to fit and steer into parking bays.

Which car is better for city driving, the 2008 Tesla Roadster or the 2021 Tesla Model S?

The 2008 Tesla Roadster is better for city driving with a smaller turning circle of 11.1 m (36.3 ft) versus 12.3 m (40.4 ft) for the 2021 Tesla Model S. The 2008 Tesla Roadster is shorter at 394.7 cm (155.4 in) versus 502.1 cm (197.7 in) for the 2021 Tesla Model S, and the 2008 Tesla Roadster is narrower at 185.1 cm (72.9 in) versus 198.7 cm (78.2 in) for the 2021 Tesla Model S.