2008 Tesla Roadster dimensions and size guide
2008 Tesla Roadster
Add comparisonExterior dimensions
2008 Tesla Roadster exterior dimensions
The 2008 Tesla Roadster is much smaller than the average sports car. Its 394.6cm body is around 52cm, or 12%, shorter, while its 185.1cm width including mirrors is approximately 24cm, or 12%, narrower. At just 112.7cm tall, it is around 17cm, or 13%, lower than the class norm. The wheelbase measures 235.1cm, approximately 28cm, or 11%, shorter than average. Together, these dimensions give the Roadster notably compact proportions in every direction for its class, which is particularly helpful when fitting into short parking spaces or a compact garage.
Measurements
Length
394.6 cm
Body width
171.9 cm
Width including mirrors
185.1 cm
Height
112.7 cm
Wheelbase
235.1 cm
Ground clearance
13 cm
Footprint
DriveSize footprint is overall length multiplied by body width.
6.8 m²
How the 2008 Tesla Roadster's exterior dimensions compare with the average Sports car
Length
51.9 cm shorter than the average Sports car
Body width
15.3 cm narrower than the average Sports car
Width including mirrors
24.1 cm narrower than the average Sports car
Height
16.7 cm shorter than the average Sports car
Wheelbase
28.4 cm shorter wheelbase than the average Sports car
Ground clearance
1.5 cm more ground clearance than the average Sports car
DriveSize footprint
DriveSize footprint compares this car's footprint with the average footprint for the same class.
A positive percentage means a larger footprint and a negative percentage means a smaller footprint. About average means the rounded difference is 0%.
-19%
Smaller footprint than the average Sports car
Fast facts
Fast facts
It is around 52cm shorter than average
At 394.6cm long, the Roadster needs roughly 12% less space in front and behind than the typical sports car.
It is 22% lighter than average
The Roadster weighs 1,235kg, approximately 340kg less than the sports-car norm.
Five regional spaces provide comfortable access
The Roadster physically fits all eight standard spaces tested by DriveSize, and five leave comfortable surrounding room for getting in and out.
A lower body retains more ground clearance
Although the Roadster is 13% lower in overall height, its 13cm ground clearance is around 1.5cm, or 13%, above the sports-car average.
2008 Tesla Roadster front view
Cargo space & efficiency
2008 Tesla Roadster cargo capacity and space efficiency
The Roadster is configured for two people. Its compact exterior and two-seat layout give it a very different passenger-capacity profile compared to larger cars, making it most relevant to a driver who plans to travel alone or with one passenger.
Parking
Will the 2008 Tesla Roadster fit in a standard parking space?
The Roadster physically fits all eight standard regional parking spaces tested by DriveSize below, with five providing comfortable surrounding room. Its body is around 12% shorter and its width including mirrors is approximately 12% narrower than the average sports car, making it straightforward to fit in parking spaces across every region. China, India, Japan, the Middle East and USA/Canada provide the easier fits. The United Kingdom, European Union and Australia are tighter, but each can still physically contain the car.
DriveSize 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
Usability
2008 Tesla Roadster usability & manoeuvrability
At 11.05m, the Roadster's turning circle is around 11cm, or 1%, tighter than the average sports car. That is an almost exactly average result, so it needs broadly the usual amount of room for full turns despite its much shorter body. Its 1,235kg kerb weight is approximately 340kg, or 22%, below average. Ground clearance is 13cm, around 1.5cm, or 13%, above the sports-car norm, providing a little more under-car space over raised entrances and sharp changes in road angle.
Measurements
Doors
2
Max seats
2
Turning circle
11.1 m
Curb weight
1,235 kg
How the 2008 Tesla Roadster's usability and manoeuvrability compare with the average Sports car
Turning circle
0.1 m smaller turning circle than the average Sports car
Curb weight
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%
More manoeuvrable than the average Sports car
2008 Tesla Roadster rear view
DriveSize overview: 2008 Tesla Roadster
Considering its dimensions, the 2008 Tesla Roadster may suit a driver looking for a compact two-seat sports car that is easy to fit within typical parking spaces. It is around 12% shorter and narrower than average, 22% lighter and physically fits all eight regional spaces tested by DriveSize.
Its turning circle is almost exactly average for a sports car, rather than being as unusually compact as its body length. Seating is limited to the driver and one passenger, while its low overall height is paired with ground clearance that is 13% above the class norm.
See how this compact two-seater contrasts with the much larger four-door 2017 Tesla Model 3.
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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.