2023 Volkswagen ID.3 vs 2008 Tesla Roadster
Which is bigger, the 2023 Volkswagen ID.3 or 2008 Tesla Roadster?
Key dimensions: length, width, height
The 2023 Volkswagen ID.3 measures an extra 31.8 cm in length, providing a slightly more substantial footprint on the road than the 2008 Tesla Roadster. You might notice the 9 cm width difference when parking; the 2023 Volkswagen ID.3 leaves a little less margin for error in the bay compared to the 2008 Tesla Roadster. The roofline of the 2023 Volkswagen ID.3 is 43.7 cm higher than that of the 2008 Tesla Roadster, making the contrast immediately noticeable. With a 41.9 cm shorter wheelbase, the 2008 Tesla Roadster is the clear winner for tight multi-storey car parks compared to the 2023 Volkswagen ID.3.
Measurements
Length
426.4 cm (+31.8)
394.6 cm
Height
156.4 cm (+43.7)
112.7 cm
Body width
180.9 cm (+9)
171.9 cm
Width including mirrors
207 cm (+21.9)
185.1 cm
Ground clearance
N/A
13 cm
Wheelbase
277 cm (+41.9)
235.1 cm
Footprint
DriveSize footprint is overall length multiplied by body width.
7.7 m² (+0.9)
6.8 m²
How each car compares with its class average
Length
426.4 cm
11.2 cm longer than the average Hatchback
394.6 cm
51.9 cm shorter than the average Sports car
Height
156.4 cm
8.5 cm taller than the average Hatchback
112.7 cm
16.7 cm shorter than the average Sports car
Body width
180.9 cm
4.4 cm wider than the average Hatchback
171.9 cm
15.3 cm narrower than the average Sports car
Width including mirrors
207 cm
7.5 cm wider than the average Hatchback
185.1 cm
24.1 cm narrower than the average Sports car
Ground clearance
N/A
13 cm
1.5 cm more ground clearance than the average Sports car
Wheelbase
277 cm
17.9 cm longer wheelbase than the average Hatchback
235.1 cm
28.4 cm shorter wheelbase than the average Sports car
Footprint
DriveSize footprint is overall length multiplied by body width.
7.7 m²
0.4 m² larger footprint than the average Hatchback
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 2023 Volkswagen ID.3 provides a average 385 L for the hatchback segment for cargo space with the seats up. The 2023 Volkswagen ID.3's 1,267 L (VDA) capacity with the seats down 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.
385 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.
1,267 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.
162.7 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.
89.9 L per m²
N/A
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.
385 L
42 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.
1,267 L
149 L more cargo volume than the average Hatchback
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.
+8%
VDA: More space efficient than the average Hatchback
Rear view
Details
Doors, seats, weight, maneuverability
With more doors, the 2023 Volkswagen ID.3 is more practical for passengers to enter and exit. The 2023 Volkswagen ID.3 brings a major practicality benefit, offering room for 3 more passengers than the 2008 Tesla Roadster. You’ll appreciate the 0.8 m tighter turning circle of the 2023 Volkswagen ID.3 when navigating cramped multi-storey car parks.
Measurements
Doors
5 (+3)
2
Max. seats
5 (+3)
2
Turning circle
10.3 m
11.1 m (+0.8)
Curb weight
N/A
1,235 kg
How each car compares with its class average
Turning circle
10.3 m
0.1 m smaller turning circle than the average Hatchback
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.
-1%
Less manoeuvrable than the average Hatchback
+7%
More manoeuvrable than the average Sports car
Parking
Will the 2023 Volkswagen ID.3 or 2008 Tesla Roadster fit in a standard parking space?
2023 Volkswagen ID.3 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 47 cm per side, and length clearance is 61.5 cm at each end.
Body side clearance
47 cm
Length clearance (at each end)
61.5 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 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.