2021 Tesla Model S vs 2023 Volkswagen ID.3
Which is bigger, the 2021 Tesla Model S or 2023 Volkswagen ID.3?
Key dimensions: length, width, height
There is a large difference in length between the two models, with the 2021 Tesla Model S being 75.7 cm longer than the 2023 Volkswagen ID.3. At 17.8 cm wider, the 2021 Tesla Model S would better suit the open road, while the 2023 Volkswagen ID.3 would win for turning tight corners in a direct comparison. Standing over 13.4 cm higher, the 2023 Volkswagen ID.3 offers a more elevated seating position and a more commanding view of the road compared to the lower 2021 Tesla Model S. The 2021 Tesla Model S has a 19 cm longer wheelbase, which often translates to extra "stretch-out" room in the back.
Measurements
Length
502.1 cm (+75.7)
426.4 cm
Height
143 cm
156.4 cm (+13.4)
Body width
198.7 cm (+17.8)
180.9 cm
Width including mirrors
218.9 cm (+11.9)
207 cm
Ground clearance
11.7 cm
N/A
Wheelbase
296 cm (+19)
277 cm
Footprint
DriveSize footprint is overall length multiplied by body width.
10 m² (+2.3)
7.7 m²
How each car compares with its class average
Length
502.1 cm
29.2 cm longer than the average Sedan
426.4 cm
11.2 cm longer than the average Hatchback
Height
143 cm
2.8 cm shorter than the average Sedan
156.4 cm
8.5 cm taller than the average Hatchback
Body width
198.7 cm
15.7 cm wider than the average Sedan
180.9 cm
4.4 cm wider than the average Hatchback
Width including mirrors
218.9 cm
13.3 cm wider than the average Sedan
207 cm
7.5 cm wider than the average Hatchback
Ground clearance
11.7 cm
2.3 cm less ground clearance than the average Sedan
N/A
Wheelbase
296 cm
17.9 cm longer wheelbase than the average Sedan
277 cm
17.9 cm longer wheelbase than the average Hatchback
Footprint
DriveSize footprint is overall length multiplied by body width.
10 m²
1.3 m² larger footprint than the average Sedan
7.7 m²
0.4 m² larger footprint than the average Hatchback
Front view
Cargo Capacity: which has more space?
Standard and largest cargo capacity
A direct comparison between the 2021 Tesla Model S’s 709 L (SAE) and the 2023 Volkswagen ID.3’s 385 L (VDA) cargo capacity isn't possible due to different measurement methods, but the 2021 Tesla Model S is way above average for its class. The 2023 Volkswagen ID.3 is average for its class. The 2021 Tesla Model S (1,739 L) and 2023 Volkswagen ID.3 (1,267 L) use non-compatible measurement standards to compare against each other, but we can look at them in relation to cargo space vs their categories. The 2021 Tesla Model S has way above average room for its class, and the 2023 Volkswagen ID.3 has way above average room for its class.
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.
N/A
385 L
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.
N/A
1,267 L
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 (+50.3)
162.7 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.
107.2 L per m² (+17.3)
89.9 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.
N/A
385 L
42 L more cargo volume than the average Hatchback
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.
N/A
1,267 L
149 L more cargo volume than the average Hatchback
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
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.
+8%
VDA: More space efficient than the average Hatchback
Rear view
Details
Doors, seats, weight, maneuverability
The 4-door 2021 Tesla Model S means slightly less convenience for rear-seat access compared to the 2023 Volkswagen ID.3. There is no advantage for either model when it comes to passenger numbers, since both offer a 5-seat configuration. Navigating multi-storey car parks would be much easier in the 2023 Volkswagen ID.3, which has a 2 m tighter turning circle than the 2021 Tesla Model S.
Measurements
Doors
4
5 (+1)
Max. seats
5
5
Turning circle
12.3 m (+2)
10.3 m
Curb weight
2,075 kg
N/A
How each car compares with its class average
Turning circle
12.3 m
1.2 m larger turning circle than the average Sedan
10.3 m
0.1 m smaller turning circle than the average Hatchback
Curb weight
2,075 kg
553 kg heavier than the average Sedan
N/A
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.
-11%
Less manoeuvrable than the average Sedan
-1%
Less manoeuvrable than the average Hatchback
Parking
Will the 2021 Tesla Model S or 2023 Volkswagen ID.3 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 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
2023 Volkswagen ID.3 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 47 cm per side, and length clearance is 61.5 cm at each end.
Body side clearance
47 cm
Length clearance (at each end)
61.5 cm
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FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Vehicle specifications on this page are sourced from official Tesla and Volkswagen 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.