2021 Volkswagen Polo vs 2021 Tesla Model S
Which is bigger, the 2021 Volkswagen Polo or 2021 Tesla Model S?
Key dimensions: length, width, height
With the 2021 Tesla Model S being 94.7 cm longer, the contrast in body length becomes obvious. If you have a narrow garage, take note as the 2021 Tesla Model S is 23.6 cm wider than the 2021 Volkswagen Polo, which could make for a tighter squeeze. Both cars share a very similar height profile with a difference of only 2.1 cm, meaning overhead clearance in garages will be essentially the same. The 2021 Tesla Model S is 40.8 cm longer in the wheelbase, putting it in a completely different category of ride and comfort when compared to the 2021 Volkswagen Polo.
Measurements
Length
407.4 cm
502.1 cm (+94.7)
Height
145.1 cm (+2.1)
143 cm
Body width
175.1 cm
198.7 cm (+23.6)
Width including mirrors
N/A
218.9 cm
Ground clearance
N/A
11.7 cm
Wheelbase
255.2 cm
296 cm (+40.8)
Footprint
DriveSize footprint is overall length multiplied by body width.
7.1 m²
10 m² (+2.9)
How each car compares with its class average
Length
407.4 cm
7.8 cm shorter than the average Hatchback
502.1 cm
29.2 cm longer than the average Sedan
Height
145.1 cm
2.8 cm shorter than the average Hatchback
143 cm
2.8 cm shorter than the average Sedan
Body width
175.1 cm
1.4 cm narrower than the average Hatchback
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
255.2 cm
3.9 cm shorter 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.
7.1 m²
0.2 m² smaller 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
These two cars follow different measurement methods: SAE for the 2021 Tesla Model S and VDA for the 2021 Volkswagen Polo, so instead of a direct cargo space comparison, segment averages are the best way to gauge their relative utility. The 2021 Tesla Model S’s 709 L capacity with seats up is way above average for its class, and the 2021 Volkswagen Polo’s 351 L capacity is average for its class. 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 2021 Volkswagen Polo is listed at 1,125 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.
351 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.
1,125 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.
152.7 L per m
213 L per m (+60.3)
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.
87.2 L per m²
107.2 L per m² (+20)
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.
351 L
8 L more cargo volume than the average Hatchback
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.
1,125 L
7 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
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.
+5%
VDA: More space efficient than the average Hatchback
Rear view
Details
Doors, seats, weight, maneuverability
With 1 more door(s) than the 2021 Tesla Model S, the 2021 Volkswagen Polo should be more practical for those wanting to carry passengers or luggage. Both 2021 Tesla Model S and 2021 Volkswagen Polo are designed to accommodate up to 5 people. The 2021 Volkswagen Polo offers a much more effortless driving experience in cramped spaces with its 1.7 m turning circle advantage compared with 2021 Tesla Model S. There's a monumental difference in mass; the 2021 Tesla Model S is a staggering 1,018 kg heavier than the 2021 Volkswagen Polo.
Measurements
Doors
5 (+1)
4
Max. seats
5
5
Turning circle
10.6 m
12.3 m (+1.7)
Curb weight
1,057 kg
2,075 kg (+1,018)
How each car compares with its class average
Turning circle
10.6 m
0.2 m larger turning circle than the average Hatchback
12.3 m
1.2 m larger turning circle than the average Sedan
Curb weight
1,057 kg
196 kg lighter 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.
About average
About average for a Hatchback
-11%
Less manoeuvrable than the average Sedan
Parking
Will the 2021 Volkswagen Polo or 2021 Tesla Model S fit in a standard parking space?
2021 Volkswagen Polo 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 49.5 cm per side, and length clearance is 71 cm at each end.
Body side clearance
49.5 cm
Length clearance (at each end)
71 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.