2024 Volkswagen Golf vs 2021 Tesla Model S
Which is bigger, the 2024 Volkswagen Golf or 2021 Tesla Model S?
Key dimensions: length, width, height
The length difference totals 73.9 cm, clearly separating the 2021 Tesla Model S and 2024 Volkswagen Golf. If you have a narrow garage, take note as the 2021 Tesla Model S is 19.8 cm wider than the 2024 Volkswagen Golf, which could make for a tighter squeeze. The 2024 Volkswagen Golf stands 5.3 cm taller than the 2021 Tesla Model S, which may offer a slightly easier entry point and potentially more headroom. With a 34 cm wheelbase advantage, the 2021 Tesla Model S is better for long-distance comfort, whereas the 2024 Volkswagen Golf is better for agility.
Measurements
Length
428.2 cm
502.1 cm (+73.9)
Height
148.3 cm (+5.3)
143 cm
Body width
178.9 cm
198.7 cm (+19.8)
Width including mirrors
207.3 cm
218.9 cm (+11.6)
Ground clearance
N/A
11.7 cm
Wheelbase
262 cm
296 cm (+34)
Footprint
DriveSize footprint is overall length multiplied by body width.
7.7 m²
10 m² (+2.3)
How each car compares with its class average
Length
428.2 cm
13 cm longer than the average Hatchback
502.1 cm
29.2 cm longer than the average Sedan
Height
148.3 cm
0.4 cm taller than the average Hatchback
143 cm
2.8 cm shorter than the average Sedan
Body width
178.9 cm
2.4 cm wider than the average Hatchback
198.7 cm
15.7 cm wider than the average Sedan
Width including mirrors
207.3 cm
7.8 cm wider than the average Hatchback
218.9 cm
13.3 cm wider than the average Sedan
Ground clearance
N/A
11.7 cm
2.3 cm less ground clearance than the average Sedan
Wheelbase
262 cm
2.9 cm longer wheelbase than the average Hatchback
296 cm
17.9 cm longer wheelbase than the average Sedan
Footprint
DriveSize footprint is overall length multiplied by body width.
7.7 m²
0.3 m² larger footprint than the average Hatchback
10 m²
1.3 m² larger footprint than the average Sedan
Front view
Cargo Capacity: which has more space?
Standard and largest cargo capacity
Comparing 709 L (SAE) to 381 L (VDA) is difficult due to the differing measurement methods, but the 2021 Tesla Model S’s seats up capacity is way above average for its size class. The 2021 Tesla Model S offers 1,739 L (SAE) of total cargo volume, which is way above average for sedan.
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.
381 L
N/A
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 (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.
381 L
38 L more cargo volume than the average Hatchback
N/A
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
Choosing the 2024 Volkswagen Golf gains you extra access points, making its 5-door layout more versatile for daily duties than the 4-door 2021 Tesla Model S. In terms of passenger capacity, there is no difference here, with both vehicles providing a maximum of 5 seats. You’ll appreciate the 1.2 m tighter turning circle of the 2024 Volkswagen Golf when navigating cramped multi-storey car parks. The 2024 Volkswagen Golf is a featherweight compared to the 2021 Tesla Model S, which carries a huge 768 kg of additional weight.
Measurements
Doors
5 (+1)
4
Max. seats
5
5
Turning circle
11.1 m
12.3 m (+1.2)
Curb weight
1,307 kg
2,075 kg (+768)
How each car compares with its class average
Turning circle
11.1 m
0.7 m larger turning circle than the average Hatchback
12.3 m
1.2 m larger turning circle than the average Sedan
Curb weight
1,307 kg
54 kg heavier than the average Hatchback
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.
-6%
Less manoeuvrable than the average Hatchback
-11%
Less manoeuvrable than the average Sedan
Parking
Will the 2024 Volkswagen Golf or 2021 Tesla Model S fit in a standard parking space?
2024 Volkswagen Golf 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 48 cm per side, and length clearance is 60.5 cm at each end.
Body side clearance
48 cm
Length clearance (at each end)
60.5 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 Volkswagen and 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.