Model S Plaid vs Porsche Taycan Turbo S vs my Model 3 Performance (after having driven all three).

[electrique]

Had the Plaid for 3 months. It’s had all sorts of issues but screen freezing isn’t one of them!

What did you get instead?

 

[oktane]

The yoke is a non-issue for regular street driving. It is not ideal for the track.

Paint quality on the brand new Tesla's is atrocious.

 

[WilliamG]

What did you get instead?

Sorry, what do you mean?

 

[TessP100D]

Had the Plaid for 3 months. It’s had all sorts of issues but screen freezing isn’t one of them!

Just give it some time. You will see

 

[WilliamG]

Just give it some time. You will see

Well… give anything enough time and you’ll see something fail. Screen freezing on the new S isn’t a “thing.”

 

[TessP100D]

Well… give anything enough time and you’ll see something fail. Screen freezing on the new S isn’t a “thing.”

I suppose it wasn’t a thing on the MCU1 either…. Until,it was.

 

[WilliamG]

I suppose it wasn’t a thing on the MCU1 either…. Until,it was.

Not really a valid argument, though, is it? Just because something, - completely different, was - doesn't mean this new thing is. There's less likelihood given the history, I'd argue.

 

[Cory151]

Thanks for the review, this was extremely helpful. I really love my Model S Plaid and especially the Yoke. Perhaps it's from all the motorcycle riding Ive done but the blinkers are exactly where they'd be on a bike.

 

[WilliamG]

Thanks for the review, this was extremely helpful. I really love my Model S Plaid and especially the Yoke. Perhaps it's from all the motorcycle riding Ive done but the blinkers are exactly where they'd be on a bike.

Of course! The turn signals are so much better now they’ve been fixed with the software update a while back to eliminate the soft touch, along with automatic switching off the signals. Really like them now where I live.

That said, if you live in e.g. London, I can’t imagine them being legalized. On a roundabout they’re impossible to use when the yoke is upside down etc and you’re trying to signal/indicate roundabout-exit intent. I will be shocked if the yoke/signals are there in Europe.

 

[Olivsky]

So this isn't a full review of any sort, because I have not spent extended periods of time in either the Plaid or Taycan Turbo S - though I do currently own a Model 3 Performance, and have driven and been a passenger in the other two vehicles.

First, the Taycan Turbo S:

1.) It looks pretty great. Looks are subjective, but this is a good-looking car, minus the weird bit on the side that juts out and looks like two cars welded together at this location.
2.) It drives very well, - except.... there's no one-pedal driving which is a complete deal killer for me. Sitting in traffic in the Taycan Turbo S is way more work than it needs to be, requiring constant foot movement from brake to accelerator for no apparent reason other than Porsche's stubbornness. It's a much more jerky ride all the way around. It simply doesn't compare for ease of driving to even the cheapest Standard Range Model 3, and that's sad, because Porsche could easily patch this into a software update.
3.) Interior. Maybe about the same seating space as a Model 3, and what appears to be less trunk space. Peculiar for a car in the same size class as the Model S.
4.) It sounds really good. Especially from the outside as it pulls away, - a lovely sound from the future. And yes, leave the fake/synthesized sounds off when inside - it doesn't need it, - no idea why Porsche even has this option.
5.) Speaking of software updates, my buddy let me know that for larger updates it's required for the driver to bring the Taycan to the dealership to have this done, as there have been bricked cars. Not a good look.
6.) Far too many screens. Some may like the car for this - I do not.
7.) Still with the silly analog clock on the middle of the dash, reflecting onto the windshield at night. Come on, Porsche. Do better!
8.) Driving dynamics are great when not in traffic. I get that Porsche wants to cater to its existing fanbase, but there's no reason they couldn't have options for those of us who have moved on and recognize that one-pedal driving is just the BEST for daily driving, - something 99.9% of Taycan owners will be doing.
9.) Fantastic acceleration. But...

Model S Plaid:

1.) Absolutely destroys the Taycan Turbo S in terms of accelerative performance. The difference is NOT close, especially above 60mph, where the Plaid throws you into the back of the car under acceleration with ferocity, whereas the Turbo S is relegated to merely being fast. This is next-level stuff. For those not convinced the Plaid is worth the difference over the standard Long Range Model S, I'll say this: The Model 3 Performance features similar performance to the new Model S Long Range, though the Long Range S is a tad quicker to 60 and onward. The Plaid is miles quicker. It's a completely different class of vehicle. It's not comparable. Not in any way/shape/form.
2.) Interior space greater than the Taycan, though with my 6'5" frame in the driver's seat there's not much room behind me for an adult at all, which never comes as a surprise for me.
3.) Trunk space is glorious, - that hatch space just can't be beaten. I've missed that so much in my Model 3 Performance since this is my first non-hatch car in forever.
4.) The sound. When you punch it at 60mph, the sound is unbelievable. I've not seen anyone touch on this, but my goodness it's this alien, futuristic tone which simply has no comparison in the automotive world. It's addictive.
5.) The yoke is awful. It's bad. It's awkward, making tight maneuvers and three-point turns a nuisance. The turn signal buttons are just utterly rubbish, with even the lightest brush on them actuating them, and really - it's just a step-back, - a huge step back. Same goes for the changing from Park to D or R. I get that Elon wants this to all be automated so it won't even matter, but this is yet another case of getting ahead of of himself, and I sincerely hope this yoke thing goes away, and soon. It hasn't stopped me ordering a Plaid, but it's definitely something I'm going to have to learn to live with rather than be excited to experience. In my Model 3 Performance, I can switch from P to R or D or turn signal without even thinking. In the S? It takes thought, and ugh... it makes me pretty angry even thinking about it.
6.) The backup camera frame-rate: FINALLY we have a smooth backup camera. My Model 3 P with HW3 has had a janky backup camera frame rate since day 1, and with the new Model S we have a smooth frame rate. Everything is just much smoother on the display. Panning the map, loading apps, backup camera, FSD visualizations, - everything. Just night and day better than previous Teslas.

So there you go. The Plaid, as Elon mentioned at the delivery event, - crushes. But that yoke... good grief.

Well fully agree on the positives of the Plaid! Love mine and am blown away each time I drive it! The yoke for me is a non issue and that and the controls feel very intuitive - so maybe just me but I am super comfortable with it. My only bone would be that the quality is not in par with the Taycan - the interior just doesn’t exude the same quality of lux and sport- but the Tesla tech is miles ahead - just a different beast entirely! No regrets but have to say I am intrigued by the Gran Tourismo GTS! But no complaining to say the least

 

[BooMan]

Great insights! IMO you can't go wrong with either of the 3 cars. As much as people like to directly compare the S with the Taycan I think they are two different cars targeting two different buyers. I however do have to agree that when comparing the Plaid with the Turbo S on paper its an easy win for the Plaid, curious to see what Porsche's response will be to the insane acceleration specs of the Plaid will be.

I don’t think Porsche is all that focused on acceleration as much as making sure the Taycan checks all the boxes for sports car driving experience. I have not driven the Plaid S but I have driven Taycan 4S and I can say the driving experience (cornering, braking, and feel) are quite a bit better than my 3P and a lot better (night and day) vs the 2020LR I drove. Maybe the plaid has improved on core driving but I doubt Porsche will chase Tesla (or anyone) on this as that’s not their focus

 

[2101Guy]

I don’t think Porsche is all that focused on acceleration

Didnt think we'd ever see this day!

 

[pabla]

I don’t think Porsche is all that focused on acceleration as much as making sure the Taycan checks all the boxes for sports car driving experience. I have not driven the Plaid S but I have driven Taycan 4S and I can say the driving experience (cornering, braking, and feel) are quite a bit better than my 3P and a lot better (night and day) vs the 2020LR I drove. Maybe the plaid has improved on core driving but I doubt Porsche will chase Tesla (or anyone) on this as that’s not their focus

Porsche as a brand is more about driver enjoyment, engaging driving characteristics, and quality. The Taycan and Model S are two cars with two different purposes, but both just happen to have the same propulsion method.

 

[WilliamG]

Porsche as a brand is more about driver enjoyment, engaging driving characteristics, and quality. The Taycan and Model S are two cars with two different purposes, but both just happen to have the same propulsion method.

And both absolutely compete in a similar market. Most of us are not tracking these cars, so at the end of the day if you’re shopping for a 4/5-door performance EV in this size, you’ll cross-shop a Taycan and a Model S.

 

[pabla]

And both absolutely compete in a similar market. Most of us are not tracking these cars, so at the end of the day if you’re shopping for a 4/5-door performance EV in this size, you’ll cross-shop a Taycan and a Model S.

I agree but they target two different buyers, off a track a Taycan is still the more dynamic of the two. Just now with the 1000hp Plaid it can use its power advantage as a crutch to keep up/beat the Taycan in any timed runs

 

[WilliamG]

I agree but they target two different buyers, off a track a Taycan is still the more dynamic of the two. Just now with the 1000hp Plaid it can use its power advantage as a crutch to keep up/beat the Taycan in any timed runs

The Plaid actually has more lateral grip, but it's the brakes that let it down. In terms of feel, the Taycan has the S beat, no question. For most of us, the most fun on the street is the acceleration over the cornering handling feel. I know it is for me... - on the track it's a different story.

 

[tm1v2]

The Plaid actually has more lateral grip, but it's the brakes that let it down. In terms of feel, the Taycan has the S beat, no question.

This. I haven't driven the new Model S yet, but everything I've read says it can corner as fast or faster than any 4 door (with appropriate tires), stability control willing. How it feels is another story of course. Most Model S feel big and numb. P85+ era suspension felt a lot better, but still a big car, not exactly nimble, and the new Model S is even wider. I'm really curious to drive a Taycan myself someday, it's big and heavy too, but just sitting in one it did feel more like a big sports car than a sedan. (Dat back seat though...Taycan really is a 4 door sports car I guess, cause I don't fit back there.)

For most of us, the most fun on the street is the acceleration over the cornering handling feel. I know it is for me... - on the track it's a different story.

Totally the opposite for me. The fun roads I like to tear up are much tighter and twistier than a racetrack. You need to drive on twisty roads more.

 

[pabla]

The Plaid actually has more lateral grip, but it's the brakes that let it down. In terms of feel, the Taycan has the S beat, no question. For most of us, the most fun on the street is the acceleration over the cornering handling feel. I know it is for me... - on the track it's a different story.

Everyone has different wants and needs for me cornering dynamics is more important especially since the Taycan is no slouch, but both cars are great

 

[trayloader]

This. I haven't driven the new Model S yet, but everything I've read says it can corner as fast or faster than any 4 door (with appropriate tires), stability control willing. How it feels is another story of course. Most Model S feel big and numb. P85+ era suspension felt a lot better, but still a big car, not exactly nimble, and the new Model S is even wider. I'm really curious to drive a Taycan myself someday, it's big and heavy too, but just sitting in one it did feel more like a big sports car than a sedan. (Dat back seat though...Taycan really is a 4 door sports car I guess, cause I don't fit back there.)


Totally the opposite for me. The fun roads I like to tear up are much tighter and twistier than a racetrack. You need to drive on twisty roads more.

Then no need to post here. Drive it. A different beast now. Nimble and cornering like a Porsche/BMW. Tesla made their homework.

 

[tm1v2]

Then no need to post here. Drive it. A different beast now. Nimble and cornering like a Porsche/BMW. Tesla made their homework.

I'd love to test a new Model S! No loaners or demo cars in my area yet. I could pay ~ $400 for a 1 day peer-to-peer rental (e.g. via Turo), but I'd rather spend that money elsewhere.

When the time comes to replace our old S P85, a new S will be on the table, and hopefully Tesla will have demo cars available by then. Wife and I actually considered ordering a 2021 MSLR undriven when we were shopping for a 2nd car this fall, but I'm very glad we went with the M3P. One big car is enough for us, I'm really liking the 3 + S combo and the M3P just suits me and my driving much more. (A 3 couldn't replace the S for us though, we load up the S all the time.)