"space" vs "room"

[micaelo]

Could someone please explain to me why "room" is a valid word in the following sentence, while "space" is not?
Is there space/room in the car for me as well?
Thanks

[Bushwhacker]

Not an expert, not even an English first language talker, but despite the fact that room is the more common word used, it seems as if you could say space too. Look at the dictionary. Maybe there are nuances that I'm missing.