2008 Tesla Roadster vs 2021 Tesla Model S
Which is bigger, the 2008 Tesla Roadster or 2021 Tesla Model S?
Key dimensions: length, width, height
At over 107.5 cm longer, the 2021 Tesla Model S occupies a much larger footprint than the 2008 Tesla Roadster, which translates to a more imposing road presence and requires larger parking spots. At 26.8 cm wider, the 2021 Tesla Model S would better suit the open road, while the 2008 Tesla Roadster would win for turning tight corners in a direct comparison. The 2021 Tesla Model S is an incredible 30.3 cm taller, which fundamentally alters the ease of access and the total volume of the interior relative to the 2008 Tesla Roadster. The 2021 Tesla Model S sits only 1.3 cm closer to the road than the 2008 Tesla Roadster, a small gap meaning they handle obstacles almost identically. High-speed stability is a major win for the 2021 Tesla Model S when compared to the 2008 Tesla Roadster, as its wheels sit a full 60.9 cm further apart.
Measurements
Length
394.6 cm
502.1 cm (+107.5)
Height
112.7 cm
143 cm (+30.3)
Body width
171.9 cm
198.7 cm (+26.8)
Width including mirrors
185.1 cm
218.9 cm (+33.8)
Ground clearance
13 cm (+1.3)
11.7 cm
Wheelbase
235.1 cm
296 cm (+60.9)
Footprint
DriveSize footprint is overall length multiplied by body width.
6.8 m²
10 m² (+3.2)
How each car compares with its class average
Length
394.6 cm
51.9 cm shorter than the average Sports car
502.1 cm
29.2 cm longer than the average Sedan
Height
112.7 cm
16.7 cm shorter than the average Sports car
143 cm
2.8 cm shorter than the average Sedan
Body width
171.9 cm
15.3 cm narrower than the average Sports car
198.7 cm
15.7 cm wider than the average Sedan
Width including mirrors
185.1 cm
24.1 cm narrower than the average Sports car
218.9 cm
13.3 cm wider than the average Sedan
Ground clearance
13 cm
1.5 cm more ground clearance than the average Sports car
11.7 cm
2.3 cm less ground clearance than the average Sedan
Wheelbase
235.1 cm
28.4 cm shorter wheelbase than the average Sports car
296 cm
17.9 cm longer wheelbase than the average Sedan
Footprint
DriveSize footprint is overall length multiplied by body width.
6.8 m²
1.6 m² smaller footprint than the average Sports car
10 m²
1.3 m² larger footprint than the average Sedan
Front view
Cargo Capacity: which has more space?
Standard and largest cargo capacity
The 2021 Tesla Model S has 709 L (SAE) of cargo space with its seats up, which is way above average compared to the class average for sedan. The 2021 Tesla Model S has 1,739 L (SAE) of cargo space with its seats down, which is way above average compared to the class average for sedan.
Measurements
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.
N/A
709 L
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.
N/A
1,739 L
Frunk capacity
N/A
89 L
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.
N/A
213 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.
N/A
107.2 L per m²
How each car compares with its class average
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.
N/A
709 L
313 L more cargo volume than the average Sedan
Rear view
Details
Doors, seats, weight, maneuverability
Passengers will appreciate the additional doors on the 2021 Tesla Model S when you're parked in tight spots, as they offer more entry options than the 2-door 2008 Tesla Roadster. The 2021 Tesla Model S can handle 3 additional passengers than the 2008 Tesla Roadster, which is a decent step up in practicality. The 2008 Tesla Roadster is noticeably more agile in tight spots, boasting a turning circle 1.2 m tighter than the 2021 Tesla Model S. The 2008 Tesla Roadster is a featherweight compared to the 2021 Tesla Model S, which carries a huge 840 kg of additional weight.
Measurements
Doors
2
4 (+2)
Max. seats
2
5 (+3)
Turning circle
11.1 m
12.3 m (+1.2)
Curb weight
1,235 kg
2,075 kg (+840)
How each car compares with its class average
Turning circle
11.1 m
0.1 m smaller turning circle than the average Sports car
12.3 m
1.2 m larger turning circle than the average Sedan
Curb weight
1,235 kg
340 kg lighter than the average Sports car
2,075 kg
553 kg heavier than the average Sedan
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.
+7%
More manoeuvrable than the average Sports car
-11%
Less manoeuvrable than the average Sedan
Parking
Will the 2008 Tesla Roadster or 2021 Tesla Model S fit in a standard parking space?
2008 Tesla Roadster 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.
For an average USA / Canada space: body side clearance is 51.5 cm per side, and length clearance is 77.5 cm at each end.
Body side clearance
51.5 cm
Length clearance (at each end)
77.5 cm
2021 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.
For an average USA / Canada space: body side clearance is 38 cm per side, and length clearance is 23.5 cm at each end.
Body side clearance
38 cm
Length clearance (at each end)
23.5 cm
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FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Vehicle specifications on this page are sourced from official Tesla 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.