I'm holding out for a Model 3 AWD and possibly considering a P model depending on price so I've been doing a lot of speculating recently: When it comes to the front motor design Tesla has two options: Use the same motor powering the rear wheels up front in the M3 or leverage the small motor used today in the Model S. One reason they might use the Model S motor is that it should be more efficient at highway speeds than the permanent magnet motor design used in the M3. The M3 rear motor is rated at 192KW, while the Model S small motor is rated at 185kw. So let's assume the worst case, motors would be able to support a combined 377KW. This is practically the same power output of a Model S90D which can achieve a 4s 0-60 time.
Some quick back of the napkin math shows that the M3 AWD, with it's lower curb weight and with the same power output as a Model S D should approach P85D performance by it's self.
This leads me to believe that the Model 3 AWD vs Model 3 AWD P may only differ in software (corked vs not corked) and higher expected warranty liability costs.
See here: Calculator: 0-60 mph
For both configurations use: Drive Type: AWD, Transmission: Dual Clutch, HP: 505 (377KW)
1. Model S90D: Weight: 4800LB, 0-60: 4.08s
2. Model 3 AWD: Weight: 4000LB, 0-60 3.5s
Bottom line I think Model 3 AWD will be limited to a 4.2s 0-60 (And we might see a further bump in Model S specs) and the Model 3 P AWD will clock in at 3.5S. Notably the Model S100D has recently been clocked at 3.5-3.6 0-60 in real life despite the current 4.2s sandbagging from Tesla's official stats.
What are your thoughts on the performance differences we'll see between the AWD models?
Some quick back of the napkin math shows that the M3 AWD, with it's lower curb weight and with the same power output as a Model S D should approach P85D performance by it's self.
This leads me to believe that the Model 3 AWD vs Model 3 AWD P may only differ in software (corked vs not corked) and higher expected warranty liability costs.
See here: Calculator: 0-60 mph
For both configurations use: Drive Type: AWD, Transmission: Dual Clutch, HP: 505 (377KW)
1. Model S90D: Weight: 4800LB, 0-60: 4.08s
2. Model 3 AWD: Weight: 4000LB, 0-60 3.5s
Bottom line I think Model 3 AWD will be limited to a 4.2s 0-60 (And we might see a further bump in Model S specs) and the Model 3 P AWD will clock in at 3.5S. Notably the Model S100D has recently been clocked at 3.5-3.6 0-60 in real life despite the current 4.2s sandbagging from Tesla's official stats.
What are your thoughts on the performance differences we'll see between the AWD models?