DriveSize

2024 Volkswagen Golf Estate vs 2021 Tesla Model S

Side view of the 2021 Tesla Model S
Side view of the 2024 Volkswagen Golf Estate

Volkswagen Golf

Estate 2024

Tesla Model S

2021

Select unit of measurement:

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

Width (excluding mirrors)

178.9 cm

198.7 cm (+19.8)

Width (including mirrors)

N/A

218.9 cm

Ground clearance

N/A

11.7 cm (+29.1)

Wheelbase

266.9 cm

296 cm (+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

Width (excluding mirrors)

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

Front view

Front view of the 2024 Volkswagen Golf Estate
Front view of the 2021 Tesla Model S

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 score

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 scores compare with VDA class averages, and SAE scores compare with SAE class averages. Around 100% means in line with class average.

113%

VDA: above class average (+13%)

Rear view

Rear view of the 2024 Volkswagen Golf Estate
Rear view of the 2021 Tesla Model S

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 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.

101%

1% more manoeuvrable than the average Estate

89%

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 excluding mirrors where available; real spaces can vary because of mirrors, walls, pillars, kerbs, bay markings, and nearby cars.

OK

For an average USA / Canada space: body side clearance is 48 cm per side (excluding mirrors), and length clearance is 43 cm at each end.

Body side clearance (excluding mirrors)

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 excluding mirrors where available; real spaces can vary because of mirrors, walls, pillars, kerbs, bay markings, and nearby cars.

OK

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

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

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