Model 3 Performance vs Model S Long Range

[HumanInput]

Delivery dates are a bit wonky, but if that wasn’t a factor, why choose a M3P for $57K when you can get a MS LR for $80K?

Yes, there’s a $23K price gap, but you’re getting so much more car for the money and if price was the deciding factor, then a M3 LR would save a lot too, so why not choose that?

You could also close the gap by foregoing some options on the MS that you may have added to the M3. The range, performance, comfort, noise, and interior refresh provide a lot more overall value.

 

[Black306]

Range, not important to me. 300 rated range is far more than I need.
Performance (straight line), same as an MS LR. M3P is better in turns.
Comfort, not important to me. Actually think the M3P is too soft. Prefer more sporty feel.
Noise, not important to me. 3 is already much quieter than my typical ‘want’ cars.
Interior refresh, prefer a more minimalistic interior of the 3.

Your considerations are not my considerations. So where is this $23k price gap value in it for me?

Now, a 3 with MS Plaid level performance for $80k? SOLD in a heart beat!

 

[jjrandorin]

Delivery dates are a bit wonky, but if that wasn’t a factor, why choose a M3P for $57K when you can get a MS LR for $80K?

Yes, there’s a $23K price gap, but you’re getting so much more car for the money and if price was the deciding factor, then a M3 LR would save a lot too, so why not choose that?

You could also close the gap by foregoing some options on the MS that you may have added to the M3. The range, performance, comfort, noise, and interior refresh provide a lot more overall value.

When I was leasing BMWs, I always got 3 series (or later 4 series), even though I could afford a 5 series. 5 Series were simply too big for me, and I usually only have myself, or myself and my wife in the car.

If model S was the only Tesla, I would still be driving an ICE vehicle. They are simply too big, to heavy feeling, not nimble enough... for me. It feels like a BMW 7 series, from a size perspective.

I certainly dont fault anyone for wanting them, but also, frankly, dont understand any statement that says "but you can get this for only 23k more". That statement translates to "Why would anyone get a model 3 performance, when they can get a Model S long range for only 40% more?"

40% is a lot, even if I valued the vehicles the same, which I dont. I personally wouldnt buy a model S if it cost the same as a model 3, its just not the car for me, but choice is good, everything isnt for everyone.

 

[Candleflame]

Delivery dates are a bit wonky, but if that wasn’t a factor, why choose a M3P for $57K when you can get a MS LR for $80K?

Yes, there’s a $23K price gap, but you’re getting so much more car for the money and if price was the deciding factor, then a M3 LR would save a lot too, so why not choose that?

You could also close the gap by foregoing some options on the MS that you may have added to the M3. The range, performance, comfort, noise, and interior refresh provide a lot more overall value.

that was sort of the same argument of the model s vs the new model 3. so new model s has newer tech - but so did the model 3 for like 4 years.

and its still a 40% price increase which is a lot. and in australia its even more. its like 60% more for a model s.

 

[MrSlippery]

$23K is a massive difference right off the start when we are talking about cars $57k-80K, this would be different if we are looking at $200K cars. For many people that is not feasible regardless if they would actually prefer to order the Model S LR. Using an 8 year loan calculation (which I think is crazy for a car but that's me) we are talking about approximately $350 a month more for the S over the 3P that is a significant amount of money for many people.

As well as others have commented, the S simply might not be the form factory they want. I do not want something the size of an S it is just to big for me, my wife has a van for when we need extra room and I like a smaller vehicle. The range difference is so minor its almost not worth discussing either imo.

I could go a step further and say why not just buy the 3LR AWD for even less have almost the same range as the S LR, buy Acceleration Boost and new rims and still come out cheaper than the 3P

 

[raptor5244]

Lots of folks who have driven the S much prefer the driving dynamics of the 3 better. It just depends what you like. I would prefer an even smaller forma factor than the 3. Give me a 2 door Tesla coupe, RWD only, mag-ride suspension, sportier seats and relax the nannies and I will trade in my M3P.

 

[oreobbq]

You forget the M3 is also new and improved. Thanks to weight savings from missing radar and lumbar support, it's .00003 seconds faster.

If I could afford it I'd get both.

 

[Twiglett]

all down to the size of car you're interested in.
Model 3 = more nimble, smaller package, get into more parking spaces etc
Model S = more comfort, much more room for luggage, lift gate, air suspension, bio filter, bigger frunk

When looking at ranges, don't fall into the trap of looking at total range - that isn't real world. Most of the time you would start at 90% and run it down to maybe 10-15% - so therefore use 75-80% of the available range

 

[OUengineer]

The S could cost less than the 3 and I still wouldn't consider it. Too big, too heavy, too cumbersome. I never even considered a Tesla until the 3. Even rode in a Model S P100D years ago and wasn't super impressed.