I have a 2018 Model 3 Performance, and test drove a Model S LR over the weekend on a whim.
My comparison:
My comparison:
- Performance and handling
- S is noticeably quicker off the line than the 3P.
- S feels much stronger at 70 mph compared to the 3P, which really tapers off at that speed.
- S handling is more floaty than the 3P, but still surprisingly good. I've driven pre-2017 S loaners in the past and the handling was so floaty that I completely ruled out getting a S until now.
- Overall, the S feels like a rocket. The acceleration is powerful and punchy, but it gives the feeling of almost too much power that is barely reigned in, whereas the M3P feels more precise in its ability to handle the power.
- I could not tell the difference at all between the different air suspension settings.
- Interior
- I've always been fine with the 3's single screen, but the S has a benefit that I didn't consider: by having a second screen, it frees up the main screen for more UI. I like being able to see both the map and cameras on the main screen, and my 3 can't do that.
- I wish the MS interior felt roomier given the size increase over the 3. It's a bit larger, but not significantly so to me.
- One thing that still bothers me with the MS is that my seating position puts my head close to the headliner/visor, so it feels a bit more cramped than the 3. I'm not a tall person, and this might be a seat adjustment thing.