DriveSize

2021 Tesla Model S vs 2022 Volkswagen Virtus

Side view of the 2021 Tesla Model S
Side view of the 2022 Volkswagen Virtus

Tesla Model S

2021

Volkswagen Virtus

2022

Select unit of measurement:

Which is bigger, the 2021 Tesla Model S or 2022 Volkswagen Virtus?

Key dimensions: length, width, height

The figures show the 2021 Tesla Model S is 46 cm longer in comparison to the 2022 Volkswagen Virtus, which is a significant difference. At 23.5 cm wider, the 2021 Tesla Model S belongs to a completely different size class, offering a potential level of shoulder room the 2022 Volkswagen Virtus can't match. The 2022 Volkswagen Virtus offers an extra 7.7 cm of height, providing a bit more clearance and a more upright cabin feel than the 2021 Tesla Model S. The 2022 Volkswagen Virtus can handle deeper ruts and taller bumps thanks to its 6.2 cm clearance advantage over the 2021 Tesla Model S. The 2021 Tesla Model S provides a much more settled and secure feel at high speeds compared to the 2022 Volkswagen Virtus thanks to its 30.9 cm wheelbase advantage.

Measurements

Length

502.1 cm (+46)

456.1 cm

Height

143 cm

150.7 cm (+7.7)

Width (excluding mirrors)

198.7 cm (+23.5)

175.2 cm

Width (including mirrors)

218.9 cm

N/A (+6.2)

Ground clearance

11.7 cm (+30.9)

17.9 cm

Wheelbase

296 cm (+2)

265.1 cm

How each car compares with its class average

Length

502.1 cm

29.2 cm longer than the average Sedan

456.1 cm

16.8 cm shorter than the average Sedan

Height

143 cm

2.8 cm shorter than the average Sedan

150.7 cm

4.9 cm taller than the average Sedan

Width (excluding mirrors)

198.7 cm

15.7 cm wider than the average Sedan

175.2 cm

7.8 cm narrower than the average Sedan

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

17.9 cm

3.9 cm more ground clearance than the average Sedan

Wheelbase

296 cm

17.9 cm longer wheelbase than the average Sedan

265.1 cm

13 cm shorter wheelbase than the average Sedan

Front view

Front view of the 2021 Tesla Model S
Front view of the 2022 Volkswagen Virtus

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 2022 Volkswagen Virtus, 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 2022 Volkswagen Virtus’s 521 L capacity is above average for its class. We can't declare a definitive winner on cargo space alone due to the differing VDA and SAE standards for these two vehicles, but the 2021 Tesla Model S has way above average space for its size 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

521 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

1,050 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 (+58.2)

154.8 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 (+18.8)

88.4 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

521 L

46 L more cargo volume than the average Sedan

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

Rear view

Rear view of the 2021 Tesla Model S
Rear view of the 2022 Volkswagen Virtus

Details

Doors, seats, weight, maneuverability

Neither vehicle differs on door layout, as the 2021 Tesla Model S and 2022 Volkswagen Virtus both feature a 4-door design. Both the 2021 Tesla Model S and the 2022 Volkswagen Virtus have seating for 5, so there is no difference in passenger capacity. If you drive these cars, you'll notice the 2022 Volkswagen Virtus is significantly more responsive in U-turns, clearing them with 2.2 m to spare over the 2021 Tesla Model S. From an agility perspective, the 2022 Volkswagen Virtus wins by a landslide, weighing 975 kg less than the 2021 Tesla Model S.

Measurements

Doors

4

4

Max. seats

5

5

Turning circle

12.3 m (+2.2)

10.1 m

Curb weight

2,075 kg (+975)

1,100 kg

How each car compares with its class average

Turning circle

12.3 m

1.2 m larger turning circle than the average Sedan

10.1 m

1 m smaller turning circle than the average Sedan

Curb weight

2,075 kg

553 kg heavier than the average Sedan

1,100 kg

422 kg lighter 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.

89%

11% less manoeuvrable than the average Sedan

109%

9% more manoeuvrable than the average Sedan

Parking

Will the 2021 Tesla Model S or 2022 Volkswagen Virtus 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 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

2022 Volkswagen Virtus 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 49.5 cm per side (excluding mirrors), and length clearance is 46.5 cm at each end.

Body side clearance (excluding mirrors)

49.5 cm

Length clearance (at each end)

46.5 cm

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

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