My Model Y is both my first Tesla and the first time I've ever driven/sat in one too. Recently, I had tint and PPF added to my new Model Y (Performance w/ PUP) so my tint shop offered a courtesy Tesla Model 3 loaner (long range, non-performance) for a couple of days. This gave me a great opportunity to compare the two cars. Here's what I thought.....
-Cabin Noise -- I couldn't believe how much more noise I heard inside the Model 3. Now I see why so many aftermarket accessory companies sell road noise reducing kits. I could hear air coming in around some of the seals for the front portion of the glass roof at any speed above 40mph. Not a loud hissing, but just enough that you would notice it. Tire noise was also much louder than my Model Y. I think the seamless glass in the Model Y was more about eliminating road noise than the aesthetics. Model Y takes the edge by a lot in this area.
-Brake Feel -- This one probably isn't fair for me to describe because I have the Performance over-sized brakes on my Y, but the Model 3 brake modulation was much rougher and deliberate. If I lightly tapped the brakes they didn't respond well....push them down slightly further and the brakes grabbed hold much harder than I intended. I give the Y the edge, but like I said, it's probably not fair to compare performance brakes to standard brakes.
-Steering and Handling -- I love how my Model Y handles, but the Model 3 felt more like a slot car than my car. I truly enjoyed the handling on the 3 and being lower in the seat just felt more natural during tight cornering. I know they put the Model Y seats up on a a six inch riser, but I think I would have liked a 3 inch riser a little more. I love how in the Model 3 that you can better see the front fenders which allows you to feel a better connection with the car. The nod here goes to the 3.
-Acceleration/Torque -- Even though the Model 3 wasn't the performance edition, I was still blown away at the torque at nearly any speed. I was driving an Audi S4 before my Tesla so that is what I'm comparing it to. The non-performance Model 3 would still blow away my Audi, especially when you want to accelerate on the road from 45 to 65mph. I was beyond impressed with the Model 3 power. Of course I'd give my Model Y Performance the edge, but the Model 3 long range was impressive and was faster than nearly any other car on the road.
I truly enjoyed driving the Model 3 and see why there are so many satisfied owners out there. If they had designed the trunk to open more like a hatchback, I might have been persuaded to go with the 3.
-Cabin Noise -- I couldn't believe how much more noise I heard inside the Model 3. Now I see why so many aftermarket accessory companies sell road noise reducing kits. I could hear air coming in around some of the seals for the front portion of the glass roof at any speed above 40mph. Not a loud hissing, but just enough that you would notice it. Tire noise was also much louder than my Model Y. I think the seamless glass in the Model Y was more about eliminating road noise than the aesthetics. Model Y takes the edge by a lot in this area.
-Brake Feel -- This one probably isn't fair for me to describe because I have the Performance over-sized brakes on my Y, but the Model 3 brake modulation was much rougher and deliberate. If I lightly tapped the brakes they didn't respond well....push them down slightly further and the brakes grabbed hold much harder than I intended. I give the Y the edge, but like I said, it's probably not fair to compare performance brakes to standard brakes.
-Steering and Handling -- I love how my Model Y handles, but the Model 3 felt more like a slot car than my car. I truly enjoyed the handling on the 3 and being lower in the seat just felt more natural during tight cornering. I know they put the Model Y seats up on a a six inch riser, but I think I would have liked a 3 inch riser a little more. I love how in the Model 3 that you can better see the front fenders which allows you to feel a better connection with the car. The nod here goes to the 3.
-Acceleration/Torque -- Even though the Model 3 wasn't the performance edition, I was still blown away at the torque at nearly any speed. I was driving an Audi S4 before my Tesla so that is what I'm comparing it to. The non-performance Model 3 would still blow away my Audi, especially when you want to accelerate on the road from 45 to 65mph. I was beyond impressed with the Model 3 power. Of course I'd give my Model Y Performance the edge, but the Model 3 long range was impressive and was faster than nearly any other car on the road.
I truly enjoyed driving the Model 3 and see why there are so many satisfied owners out there. If they had designed the trunk to open more like a hatchback, I might have been persuaded to go with the 3.
