2020 Tesla Model Y vs 2008 Tesla Roadster
Which is bigger, the 2020 Tesla Model Y or 2008 Tesla Roadster?
Key dimensions: length, width, height
There is a large difference in length between the two models, with the 2020 Tesla Model Y being 80.5 cm longer than the 2008 Tesla Roadster. Head-on, the 2020 Tesla Model Y looks significantly wider, extending 20.2 cm further than the 2008 Tesla Roadster. The 2020 Tesla Model Y is an incredible 49.7 cm taller, which fundamentally alters the ease of access and the total volume of the interior relative to the 2008 Tesla Roadster. The 2020 Tesla Model Y is 4.2 cm less likely to scrape its chin on a steep ramp than the 2008 Tesla Roadster thanks to its higher ground clearance. At 53.9 cm shorter, the 2008 Tesla Roadster should be significantly more nimble in the city than the longer-bodied 2020 Tesla Model Y.
Measurements
Length
475.1 cm (+80.5)
394.6 cm
Height
162.4 cm (+49.7)
112.7 cm
Body width
192.1 cm (+20.2)
171.9 cm
Width including mirrors
212.9 cm (+27.8)
185.1 cm
Ground clearance
17.2 cm (+4.2)
13 cm
Wheelbase
289 cm (+53.9)
235.1 cm
Footprint
DriveSize footprint is overall length multiplied by body width.
9.1 m² (+2.3)
6.8 m²
How each car compares with its class average
Length
475.1 cm
22.5 cm longer than the average Crossover
394.6 cm
51.9 cm shorter than the average Sports car
Height
162.4 cm
0.4 cm shorter than the average Crossover
112.7 cm
16.7 cm shorter than the average Sports car
Body width
192.1 cm
7.2 cm wider than the average Crossover
171.9 cm
15.3 cm narrower than the average Sports car
Width including mirrors
212.9 cm
6.5 cm wider than the average Crossover
185.1 cm
24.1 cm narrower than the average Sports car
Ground clearance
17.2 cm
0.9 cm less ground clearance than the average Crossover
13 cm
1.5 cm more ground clearance than the average Sports car
Wheelbase
289 cm
16.6 cm longer wheelbase than the average Crossover
235.1 cm
28.4 cm shorter wheelbase than the average Sports car
Footprint
DriveSize footprint is overall length multiplied by body width.
9.1 m²
0.7 m² larger footprint than the average Crossover
6.8 m²
1.6 m² smaller footprint than the average Sports car
Front view
Cargo Capacity: which has more space?
Standard and largest cargo capacity
The 2020 Tesla Model Y’s confirmed 854 L (SAE) capacity is way above average for its class, serving as our primary reference point for this matchup. With the rear seats down, the 2020 Tesla Model Y provides 2,041 L of space when using the SAE measurement method, which is way above average for crossover.
Measurements
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.
854 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.
2,041 L
N/A
Frunk capacity
117 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.
267.2 L per m
N/A
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.
139.1 L per m²
N/A
How each car compares with its class average
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.
854 L
115 L more cargo volume than the average Crossover
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.
2,041 L
170 L more cargo volume than the average Crossover
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.
+6%
SAE: More space efficient than the average Crossover
Rear view
Details
Doors, seats, weight, maneuverability
With 3 more door(s) than the 2008 Tesla Roadster, the 2020 Tesla Model Y should be more practical for those wanting to carry passengers or luggage. With 3 more seats, the 2020 Tesla Model Y is better suited to carrying more people than the 2008 Tesla Roadster. Expect to put in a little more work in the 2020 Tesla Model Y during tight turns, given its 1 m wider radius.
Measurements
Doors
5 (+3)
2
Max. seats
5 (+3)
2
Turning circle
12.1 m (+1)
11.1 m
Curb weight
N/A
1,235 kg
How each car compares with its class average
Turning circle
12.1 m
0.9 m larger turning circle than the average Crossover
11.1 m
0.1 m smaller turning circle than the average Sports car
Curb weight
N/A
1,235 kg
340 kg lighter than the average Sports car
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.
-7%
Less manoeuvrable than the average Crossover
+7%
More manoeuvrable than the average Sports car
Parking
Will the 2020 Tesla Model Y or 2008 Tesla Roadster fit in a standard parking space?
2020 Tesla Model Y 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 41 cm per side, and length clearance is 37 cm at each end.
Body side clearance
41 cm
Length clearance (at each end)
37 cm
2008 Tesla Roadster 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 51.5 cm per side, and length clearance is 77.5 cm at each end.
Body side clearance
51.5 cm
Length clearance (at each end)
77.5 cm
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FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Vehicle specifications on this page are sourced from official 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.