2024 Volkswagen Golf Estate vs 2021 Tesla Model S
Which is bigger, the 2024 Volkswagen Golf Estate or 2021 Tesla Model S?
Key dimensions: length, width, height
Measuring 39 cm more from front to rear bumper, the 2021 Tesla Model S provides that extra bit of "stretch" over the 2024 Volkswagen Golf Estate. At 19.8 cm wider, the 2021 Tesla Model S belongs to a completely different size class, offering a potential level of shoulder room the 2024 Volkswagen Golf Estate can't match. The 2024 Volkswagen Golf Estate sits 5.7 cm higher than the 2021 Tesla Model S, which usually results in a slightly more elevated view of the road. The 2021 Tesla Model S has a 29.1 cm longer wheelbase, which often translates to extra "stretch-out" room in the back.
Measurements
Length
463.1 cm
502.1 cm (+39)
Height
148.7 cm (+5.7)
143 cm
Body width
178.9 cm
198.7 cm (+19.8)
Width including mirrors
N/A
218.9 cm
Ground clearance
N/A
11.7 cm
Wheelbase
266.9 cm
296 cm (+29.1)
Footprint
DriveSize footprint is overall length multiplied by body width.
8.3 m²
10 m² (+1.7)
How each car compares with its class average
Length
463.1 cm
11.4 cm shorter than the average Estate
502.1 cm
29.2 cm longer than the average Sedan
Height
148.7 cm
1.4 cm taller than the average Estate
143 cm
2.8 cm shorter than the average Sedan
Body width
178.9 cm
5.2 cm narrower than the average Estate
198.7 cm
15.7 cm wider than the average Sedan
Width including mirrors
N/A
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
266.9 cm
10.8 cm shorter wheelbase than the average Estate
296 cm
17.9 cm longer wheelbase than the average Sedan
Footprint
DriveSize footprint is overall length multiplied by body width.
8.3 m²
0.5 m² smaller footprint than the average Estate
10 m²
1.3 m² larger footprint than the average Sedan
Front view
Cargo Capacity: which has more space?
Standard and largest cargo capacity
2021 Tesla Model S offers 709 L using the SAE method, which is way above average for its segment. 2024 Volkswagen Golf Estate's 611 L uses the different VDA standard, and is average for its segment. These two brands use different logic for their total interior volume so it's impossible to compare them like-for-like; the 2021 Tesla Model S provides 1,739 L (SAE) which for its segment is way above average, while the 2024 Volkswagen Golf Estate is listed at 1,642 L (VDA) which is way above average for its 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.
611 L
N/A
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.
1,642 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.
209.9 L per m
213 L per m (+3.1)
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.
117.3 L per m² (+10.1)
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.
611 L
63 L more cargo volume than the average Estate
N/A
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.
1,642 L
73 L more cargo volume than the average Estate
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
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.
+13%
VDA: More space efficient than the average Estate
Rear view
Details
Doors, seats, weight, maneuverability
Choosing the 2021 Tesla Model S means managing with 1 fewer door(s), but this usually means a cleaner looking side profile than the 5-door 2024 Volkswagen Golf Estate. Both 2021 Tesla Model S and 2024 Volkswagen Golf Estate are designed to accommodate up to 5 people. In urban environments, the 2024 Volkswagen Golf Estate's 1 m shorter turning circle provides a helpful difference in everyday convenience.
Measurements
Doors
5 (+1)
4
Max. seats
5
5
Turning circle
11.3 m
12.3 m (+1)
Curb weight
N/A
2,075 kg
How each car compares with its class average
Turning circle
11.3 m
0.1 m larger turning circle than the average Estate
12.3 m
1.2 m larger turning circle than the average Sedan
Curb weight
N/A
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.
+1%
More manoeuvrable than the average Estate
-11%
Less manoeuvrable than the average Sedan
Parking
Will the 2024 Volkswagen Golf Estate or 2021 Tesla Model S fit in a standard parking space?
2024 Volkswagen Golf Estate 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 43 cm at each end.
Body side clearance
48 cm
Length clearance (at each end)
43 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
More Estates
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.