There are no indications that there is any difference between the two "hardware-wise":
- Same Motor Part Number
- Same Inverter Part Number
- Same Motor Revision
- Same Maximum Current
- Same Operating Voltage
- Same Maximum Power RPM
- Same 90% Power RPM
- ...I could go on.
The only noted difference is the declared maximum rear power 219kW (CAT 2) and 235kW (CAT 3). Though the DU CAT 2 already peaks at just below 260kW full throttle in Scan My Tesla. When I tested the Model Y Performance with DU CAT 3 the rear power stopped just below 250kW. Around 10kW less on the same motor.
Check out my leaked technical documentation about the motors and drive units here:
TFF Motorwiki
Well, the new 3D6 motor (Q = Drive Unit Cat 2) was already introduced in July 2021 and paired with the CATL LFP and Panasonic NCA battery packs. Only the pairing with the LG and limited to Z = DU CAT 3 came much later.
This exclusive pairing with one Drive Unit wasn't the first time. This happened already with the LFP60 standard range and also with the Model Y Long Range. Both were DU CAT 2 exclusive. Later this was taken back with a new type certificate allowing the old DU CAT 1 to be used too.
So, this limit to DU CAT 3 can be taken away at any time. I've just received the new V24 of the type certificate, which I will publish later today, but I can already report, that there will be no change in this regard.