2021 Tesla Model S vs 2008 Tesla Roadster
Which is bigger, the 2021 Tesla Model S or 2008 Tesla Roadster?
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
502.1 cm (+107.5)
394.6 cm
Height
143 cm (+30.3)
112.7 cm
Width (excluding mirrors)
198.7 cm (+26.8)
171.9 cm
Width (including mirrors)
218.9 cm
185.1 cm (+1.3)
Ground clearance
11.7 cm (+60.9)
13 cm
Wheelbase
296 cm (+3.2)
235.1 cm
How each car compares with its class average
Length
502.1 cm
29.2 cm longer than the average Sedan
394.6 cm
51.9 cm shorter than the average Sports car
Height
143 cm
2.8 cm shorter than the average Sedan
112.7 cm
16.7 cm shorter than the average Sports car
Width (excluding mirrors)
198.7 cm
15.7 cm wider than the average Sedan
171.9 cm
15.3 cm narrower than the average Sports car
Width (including mirrors)
218.9 cm
13.3 cm wider than the average Sedan
185.1 cm
24.1 cm narrower than the average Sports car
Ground clearance
11.7 cm
2.3 cm less ground clearance than the average Sedan
13 cm
1.5 cm more ground clearance than the average Sports car
Wheelbase
296 cm
17.9 cm longer wheelbase than the average Sedan
235.1 cm
28.4 cm shorter wheelbase than the average Sports car
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.
709 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.
1,739 L
N/A
Frunk capacity
89 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 L per m
N/A
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.
107.2 L per m²
N/A
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.
709 L
313 L more cargo volume than the average Sedan
N/A
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 1.25 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
4 (+2)
2
Max. seats
5 (+3)
2
Turning circle
12.3 m (+1.3)
11.1 m
Curb weight
2,075 kg (+840)
1,235 kg
How each car compares with its class average
Turning circle
12.3 m
1.2 m larger turning circle than the average Sedan
11.1 m
0.1 m smaller turning circle than the average Sports car
Curb weight
2,075 kg
553 kg heavier than the average Sedan
1,235 kg
340 kg lighter than the average Sports car
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
107%
7% more manoeuvrable than the average Sports car
Parking
Will the 2021 Tesla Model S or 2008 Tesla Roadster fit in a standard parking space?
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 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 38 cm per side (excluding mirrors), and length clearance is 23.5 cm at each end.
Body side clearance (excluding mirrors)
38 cm
Length clearance (at each end)
23.5 cm
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 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 51.5 cm per side (excluding mirrors), and length clearance is 77.5 cm at each end.
Body side clearance (excluding mirrors)
51.5 cm
Length clearance (at each end)
77.5 cm
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