Since you sound relatively young and say you are not really experienced with many cars, I agree with the advice to avoid the Performance cars, if only because you will pay so much more that you might resent it if the car does not work out for you. The P models go through tires faster, as well, and are more likely to have the larger wheel size (21 inch vs. 19) that are less efficient, wear out tires faster, and seem more likely to fail in potholes. The smaller (19") wheels will give you more range and less maintenance headaches. (Of course you can always switch wheels and tires if you find the otherwise perfect car that has 21 inch wheels.) I also worry that previous owners of Performance cars may have worked them quite hard do they may be more of a maintenance problem than a non-P car at the same mileage. (Then again, folks do find the performance addictive!)
How far are you from a Tesla service center? That might be a factor, too, especially if you are looking for a CPO car. Nothing is perfect. Stuff breaks now and then.
As for comparable cars, that is a tough call. The Model S is not as luxurious as other cars at the same price point such as the Mercedes and BMWs that folk have mentioned. I would say my Mercedes E class was more comfortable in certain ways, and was less expensive. But the EV experience is so entirely different that making a direct comparison is difficult. For me, I was more than happy to give up a few creature comforts to get the Tesla experience. And as it happened, my spouse far prefers the clean, simple uncluttered interior of the Model S. She also loved to drive it once she tried it on the highway. She is intimidated by the car's size in parking lots, but truly loves it on the road. I have no problem getting her to share the driving on trips!
