2008 Tesla Roadster vs 2020 Tesla Model Y
Which is bigger, the 2008 Tesla Roadster or 2020 Tesla Model Y?
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
394.6 cm
475.1 cm (+80.5)
Height
112.7 cm
162.4 cm (+49.7)
Width (excluding mirrors)
171.9 cm
192.1 cm (+20.2)
Width (including mirrors)
185.1 cm
212.9 cm (+4.2)
Ground clearance
13 cm
17.2 cm (+53.9)
Wheelbase
235.1 cm
289 cm (+2.3)
How each car compares with its class average
Length
394.6 cm
51.9 cm shorter than the average Sports car
475.1 cm
22.5 cm longer than the average Crossover
Height
112.7 cm
16.7 cm shorter than the average Sports car
162.4 cm
0.4 cm shorter than the average Crossover
Width (excluding mirrors)
171.9 cm
15.3 cm narrower than the average Sports car
192.1 cm
7.2 cm wider than the average Crossover
Width (including mirrors)
185.1 cm
24.1 cm narrower than the average Sports car
212.9 cm
6.5 cm wider than the average Crossover
Ground clearance
13 cm
1.5 cm more ground clearance than the average Sports car
17.2 cm
0.9 cm less ground clearance than the average Crossover
Wheelbase
235.1 cm
28.4 cm shorter wheelbase than the average Sports car
289 cm
16.6 cm longer wheelbase than the average Crossover
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.
N/A
854 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
2,041 L
Frunk capacity
N/A
117 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.
N/A
267.2 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.
N/A
139.1 L per m²
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.
N/A
854 L
115 L more cargo volume than the average Crossover
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
2,041 L
170 L more cargo volume than the average Crossover
DriveSize space efficiency score
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 scores compare with VDA class averages, and SAE scores compare with SAE class averages. Around 100% means in line with class average.
106%
SAE: above class average (+6%)
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 1.05 m wider radius.
Measurements
Doors
2
5 (+3)
Max. seats
2
5 (+3)
Turning circle
11.1 m
12.1 m (+1)
Curb weight
1,235 kg
N/A
How each car compares with its class average
Turning circle
11.1 m
0.1 m smaller turning circle than the average Sports car
12.1 m
0.9 m larger turning circle than the average Crossover
Curb weight
1,235 kg
340 kg lighter than the average Sports car
N/A
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.
107%
7% more manoeuvrable than the average Sports car
93%
7% less manoeuvrable than the average Crossover
Parking
Will the 2008 Tesla Roadster or 2020 Tesla Model Y fit in a standard parking space?
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 excluding mirrors 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 (excluding mirrors), and length clearance is 77.5 cm at each end.
Body side clearance (excluding mirrors)
51.5 cm
Length clearance (at each end)
77.5 cm
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 excluding mirrors 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 (excluding mirrors), and length clearance is 37 cm at each end.
Body side clearance (excluding mirrors)
41 cm
Length clearance (at each end)
37 cm
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