With an impending (I hope) chance to configure Model 3 AWD, I’ve been switching daily between my 2015 AP1 S85D and my wife’s Model 3. And, my “choice” been ping-ponging back just as fast, just like AP1 in its earliest days!
Definite personality difference. For skiers in the crowd, like comparing stainless steel Volant GSers with Atomic slalom models. One is a smooth-at-speed long-radius slicer. The other is a playful, far more fun, dancer. Which is better? Whichever you drive last!
What I will note: The Model 3 has one very real advantage as a road-trip car: Charging speed. Because it only uses about four-fifths as much energy per miles, it gains about five-fourths (125%) as many miles per energy unit added.
This helps at Superchargers. And, it helps at most destination chargers. Our 85D can charge at 80A, versus 48A for the M3. However, most destination chargers we’ve encountered at hotels max out at 32-40A.
As for comfort and capacity on road trips, Model S wins, but Model 3 comes closer than one might expect.
And, unless you’ve got an S100D, the M3’s range and charging speed advantage will cut travel time. In our S, we’d averaged five and one-half hours for the uphill 300-mile trip to Mammoth and five for the downhill return. M3 cut half an hour in both directions ... including a no-charge-stop return.