The Model 3 Long Range is an electric sedan known for its impressive speed. But with a Performance variant of the car being launched in 2024, Tesla is making an offer you can’t resist either.
Tesla’s Model 3 Performance may not be as terrifyingly fast as the Model S Plaid but it might catch unaware passengers who cannot distinguish between a regular Model 3 and the one with serious aero bits stuck to its bodywork as well as a beefed-up suspension. While it can drop jaws at drag strips, Elon Musk’s car brand has also made it capable of tackling corners like a sports car.
All this added sportiness has inflated the Model 3 Performance’s sticker price and that may push many buyers to consider the Long Range variant.
The Model 3 Long Range has been around for a while as the variant that requires fewer battery refills through a trip. With its 0-100 kph time of 4.4 seconds, this version of the Model 3 is no slouch either.
Hence, if you have made up your mind about the Model 3 but can’t choose between the top two variants, you have come to the right place for guidance. Our Tesla Model 3 Performance vs Long Range comparison clarifies most of your doubts regarding the specifications of these two variants.
Tesla Model 3 Performance vs Long Range: A comprehensive comparison
Even before checking out the specifications sheet of these two, it must be easy to figure out that the Model 3 Performance is all about going fast and attacking corners better than the Model 3 Long Range. This is despite both the vehicles featuring a dual motor all-wheel drive layout.
To make it interesting and easy, we are going to discuss those aspects where the Performance vehicle supposedly outdoes all the other variants on sale. We begin with the most crucial ones.
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Tesla Model 3 Performance vs Long Range: Acceleration, top speed
The Model 3 Long Range with its dual-motor all-wheel drive system is a fast vehicle by any standards. It can accelerate from 0-100 kph in 4.4 seconds and flat out, it can go up to 210 kph. That’s enough to frighten your rear passengers between a set of traffic lights.
However, the Model 3 Performance’s figures suggest that this baby isn’t for the faint-hearted. Stomp on the accelerator pedal and this go-fast Model 3 lurches from 0-100 kph in 3.1 seconds! That’s hypercar territory! In a family saloon! On an empty stretch of road, you can push this car to 262 kph.
Tell that to someone who says electric cars don’t have eccentric top speeds!
Winner: Model 3 Performance
What about the range?
For a sedan with blisteringly fast acceleration times, the Model 3 Performance offers a decent range on a full charge. Tesla says that a conscious right foot will get you an average range of 528 km, which is decent for short hops within the city (and to the nearest race track).
However, having more range is crucial in an electric vehicle and the Model 3 Long Range helps eliminate the range anxiety with its claimed figure of 629 km. That’s more than enough for long-distance touring and fewer recharging stops than the faster Performance variant.
Winner: Model 3 Long Range
Driving dynamics
The Model 3 Performance will undoubtedly dominate this section, courtesy of its upgraded chassis, powertrain and software management systems.
The Model 3 Performance’s drive unit is tuned to deliver better peak power and torque without gulping down precious battery stamina. A new bespoke chassis along with an advanced adaptive suspension offers better driving dynamics, which in turn improves the car’s cornering abilities.
At the same time, this setup allows the car to be more comfortable at commute speeds and with low rolling resistance tyres, it can even deliver closer to that claimed range of 528 km.
As for those beautiful 20-inch wheels, Tesla says that their lightweight construction along with Pirelli rubber provides a sharper response to turns, increased traction out of the corners and improved aerodynamics. The new high-performance brakes can do better heat management on track and drivers can also witness better pedal feedback.
Since this is a Tesla, you get a new Track Mode V3 driving mode that helps you get the most out of this vehicle. Besides calibrating the powertrain and adaptive suspension for various driving situations, the new Track Mode V3 also lets you customise handling balance setups, stability control and regenerative braking levels.
In comparison, the Model 3 Long Range is more of a family touring sedan that’s tailored to extract better efficiency and longer range.
For this round, we are giving the point to the Model 3 Performance.
Winner: Model 3 Performance
Do you get racecar interiors?
Gladly, no.
Even though the Model 3 Performance is geared for serious performance, you get a familiar interior that still takes care of all its passengers in terms of comfort and luxury. There are, however, a couple of differences.
Compared to the elegant vibes of the Model 3 Long Range’s interior, the Model 3 Performance offers carbon fibre accents on the dashboard to add to the sense of performance. Tesla has also swapped comfort-oriented seats for bucket-style sports seats that offer better support while you are doing corners at breakneck speeds. The seats also come with a ventilation function to keep you cool or warm.
Winner: Tesla Model 3 Performance
Pricing
The Model 3 Long Range offers the most range of all the variants and in its stock form, you can get it for SGD 79,800. This price excludes the Enhanced Autopilot and Full Self-Driving Capability packs.
The Model 3 Performance joins the lineup as the priciest variant starting at SGD 89,800, without any of the self-driving and customisation shenanigans.
Here, it is the Model 3 Long Range that offers an advantage in terms of pricing.
Winner: Model 3 Long Range
Tesla Model 3 Performance vs Long Range: Our verdict
Winner: Model 3 Performance
The Tesla Model 3 Performance bags the most points in this comparison and wins it overall. However, choosing between these two variants is more about your personal preferences and needs rather than the statistics.
The Model 3 Performance is purpose-built for high-performance track driving and drag strips. As a four-door sports car, it offers bucketloads of electric performance, advanced suspension with a sharper chassis, lightweight and aerodynamic wheels and sporty seats that still hold onto their comfort. With a lower overall electric range though, the Model 3 Performance isn’t suited for long-distance touring. This is solely built for spirited driving.
On the other hand, the Model 3 Long Range is geared to be a comfortable long-distance electric touring sedan with a focus on efficiency and greater range. Go for this one if you are looking for a sensible electric car in this segment.
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(Hero and Featured Image Credits: Courtesy Tesla)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
– What is the difference between the batteries of Tesla Model 3 Performance and Long Range?
The Tesla Model 3 Performance offers a range of 528 km whereas the Long Range offers up to 629 km.
– Is Tesla Model 3 Performance faster than Long Range?
Yes, the Tesla Model 3 Performance is faster than the Long Range with a 0-100 kph acceleration time of 3.1 seconds and a top speed of 262 kph.
