Saving money over buying a gas car with similar performance? Well probably.
I think you nailed it.
IMO, it's appropriate to place the Model 3 Performance in the same category as exotics when comparing actual performance. But not only do you get exotic car acceleration and handling, you get it in a four door sedan. I think the Porsche Panamara is pretty comparable, but the Model 3 just destroys the Panamara, while costing a fraction of the price.
Even if you compare it to a more pedestrian car like a Charger Hellcat, the 'cat comes out way more expensive, not just in initial purchase price, but the cost of fuel and maintenance. And around a road course, the 'cat is going to be behind the 3 in the twisties. At sea level, the 'cat can stay neck and neck with the 3 on the 1/4 mile, but even though the Charger is supercharged, density altitude still takes its toll, as the compressed charge is hotter, causing the 1/4 mile time to drop with increased altitudes and temperature. The 3 couldn't care less about such things.
So what are you comparing it against?
If you're comparing a Model 3 LR AWD against a Honda Accord or Toyota Camry? No, you're probably not going to end up saving any money during the typical 3-5 years that people own one car. The initial purchase price of the 3 is so much higher than the Accord or Camry that you just won't own it long enough to recoup the difference in price of gas vs. electricity. Plus, the two Japanese cars are so dead reliable that maintenance costs won't help the Model 3's cause here, either. But if you drive a lot and keep the Tesla longer than the average American, you can tip the scale in favor of the Tesla.
But it would also be appropriate, if you're comparing performance, to throw the American muscle cars into the mix, as their performance is similar to the LR AWD. Camaro, Charger, Challenger, Mustang... Yeah, the Tesla is going to save you money vs. American muscle. And no, I don't think the lower end trim levels of those cars apply, as their performance is just too weak to put up against a LR AWD.
If you're comparing a Model 3 SR+ vs those same two Japanese beauties (no, I'm not being sarcastic... I love the Accord and the Camry both. My last car was an Accord), then the numbers are going to be a bit closer, and depend on how much you drive. I think most people would end up saving at least *some* money owning the Tesla (and they'll have a lot more fun while driving, too).
If you're comparing a Model 3 Performance against equivalent performance cars, then my answer would be yes, you are definitely saving money with the Tesla. Not only are you paying a lot less up front, but the exotics (and other cars of mostly equivalent performance) are going to eat your lunch with maintenance costs. Not to mention the way they drink Premium fuel at a prodigious rate.
Not an easy question to give a blanket answer to. Each person must decide for themselves what Tesla they are considering, and what other cars they will be comparing the Tesla to. Run the numbers as best you can, then decide. But will you allow the numbers themselves to tell the tale? How much weight does driver enjoyment have? For someone that really enjoys cars, the smile per dollar ratio on the Tesla is very high. Try putting a dollar figure on that.
