2021 Tesla Model S vs 2024 Volkswagen Passat
Which is bigger, the 2021 Tesla Model S or 2024 Volkswagen Passat?
Key dimensions: length, width, height
The 2021 Tesla Model S would require an extra 10.4 cm of garage space length compared to the more compact 2024 Volkswagen Passat. The 2021 Tesla Model S gains you 13.8 cm in width, likely providing extra elbow room inside compared to the 2024 Volkswagen Passat, but you'll need more caution when navigating tight city streets. The 2024 Volkswagen Passat sits 6.7 cm higher than the 2021 Tesla Model S, which usually results in a slightly more elevated view of the road. With an extra 11.9 cm between the wheels, the 2021 Tesla Model S should offer a noticeably smoother ride than the 2024 Volkswagen Passat.
Measurements
Length
502.1 cm (+10.4)
491.7 cm
Height
143 cm
149.7 cm (+6.7)
Body width
198.7 cm (+13.8)
184.9 cm
Width including mirrors
218.9 cm
N/A
Ground clearance
11.7 cm
N/A
Wheelbase
296 cm (+11.9)
284.1 cm
Footprint
DriveSize footprint is overall length multiplied by body width.
10 m² (+0.9)
9.1 m²
How each car compares with its class average
Length
502.1 cm
29.2 cm longer than the average Sedan
491.7 cm
17.2 cm longer than the average Estate
Height
143 cm
2.8 cm shorter than the average Sedan
149.7 cm
2.4 cm taller than the average Estate
Body width
198.7 cm
15.7 cm wider than the average Sedan
184.9 cm
0.8 cm wider than the average Estate
Width including mirrors
218.9 cm
13.3 cm wider than the average Sedan
N/A
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
284.1 cm
6.4 cm longer wheelbase than the average Estate
Footprint
DriveSize footprint is overall length multiplied by body width.
10 m²
1.3 m² larger footprint than the average Sedan
9.1 m²
0.3 m² larger footprint than the average Estate
Front view
Cargo Capacity: which has more space?
Standard and largest cargo capacity
Due to the differing VDA vs SAE measurement methods, a direct comparison for cargo space isn't possible, but the 2021 Tesla Model S’s 709 L is way above average for its class. The 2021 Tesla Model S offers 1,739 L (SAE) with the seats stowed, a figure that is way above average for sedan, while the 2024 Volkswagen Passat follows the VDA standard (1,920 L), which is way above average for estate.
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
690 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
1,920 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
227.9 L per m (+14.9)
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
123.2 L per m² (+16)
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
690 L
142 L more cargo volume than the average Estate
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
1,920 L
351 L more cargo volume than the average Estate
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.
+19%
VDA: More space efficient than the average Estate
Rear view
Details
Doors, seats, weight, maneuverability
With more doors, the 2024 Volkswagen Passat is more practical for passengers to enter and exit. There is no advantage for either model when it comes to passenger numbers, since both offer a 5-seat configuration. The 2021 Tesla Model S needs only a whisker more room to U-turn at 0.3 m wider, a difference you’d rarely notice in daily driving. The 2024 Volkswagen Passat is a featherweight compared to the 2021 Tesla Model S, which carries a huge 497 kg of additional weight.
Measurements
Doors
4
5 (+1)
Max. seats
5
5
Turning circle
12.3 m (+0.3)
12 m
Curb weight
2,075 kg (+497)
1,578 kg
How each car compares with its class average
Turning circle
12.3 m
1.2 m larger turning circle than the average Sedan
12 m
0.8 m larger turning circle than the average Estate
Curb weight
2,075 kg
553 kg heavier than the average Sedan
1,578 kg
17 kg lighter than the average Estate
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
-6%
Less manoeuvrable than the average Estate
Parking
Will the 2021 Tesla Model S or 2024 Volkswagen Passat 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
2024 Volkswagen Passat 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 45 cm per side, and length clearance is 29 cm at each end.
Body side clearance
45 cm
Length clearance (at each end)
29 cm
More Estates
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.