If you‘ve settled on purchasing the game-changing Tesla Model 3, a major decision still awaits – should you splurge on the Performance version or opt for the Long Range trim? Both deliver scintillating EV driving, but focus on different strengths.
I‘ve analyzed both variants extensively to highlight the key differences buyers should understand across these areas:
- Pricing
- Driving range per charge
- Acceleration and top speed
- Battery specs and motors
- Features and styling differentiation
- Ideal buyer profile for each
By the end, you‘ll possess the knowledge to decide which Model 3 aligns better with your budget, lifestyle, and desires from a revolutionary electric vehicle. Let‘s get started!
Introduction to the Tesla Model 3 Lineup
First, a quick Tesla Model 3 overview…Positioned as the most affordable model in Tesla‘s portfolio, the Model 3 sports sedan disrupts expectations of environmentally friendly vehicles.
Debuting in 2017 after years of feverish anticipation, it quickly became America‘s best-selling luxury car. Globally, over 1 million have sold.
Available Model 3 Trim Levels:
- Rear-Wheel Drive: The "base" rear motor RWD model starts under $47,000 before savings
- Long Range (AWD): Dual motor all-wheel drive configuration tuned for maximum range (358 miles)
- Performance: Turned up to 11 with blistering acceleration (0-60 mph in 3.1s!), but slightly reduced range
Now let‘s scrutinize the latter two variants to reveal where their strengths differ most…
Long Range vs Performance: At-a-Glance Comparison
I‘ll begin with a high-level spec comparison before digging deeper:
| Metric | Long Range | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Price (Base) | $55,990 | $61,990 |
| Driving Range | 358 miles | 315 miles |
| 0-60 mph Time | 4.2 seconds | 3.1 seconds |
| Top Speed | 145 mph | 162 mph |
| Powertrain | Dual Motor AWD | Dual Motor AWD |
| Wheel Options | 18" or 19" | 21" Standard |
| Weight | 4,034 lbs | 4,048 lbs |
Pricing
With a $6,000+ lower starting price, the Long Range clearly prioritizes maximizing range over straight-line performance. But the Performance‘s boosted acceleration and top end speed doesn‘t come cheap!
However, both can be configured to over $70,000 loaded with options. Custom paint colors, premium interiors, enhanced Autopilot packages, and newer accessories ramp up costs quickly.
Projected Depreciation
Tesla‘s industry leading technology and innovations help Model 3s retain values very well. Data from Recurrent auto research shows that the Long Range depreciates slower at 13.8% annually vs 15.7% for the Performance on average over 5 years.
This amounts to around $5,000 extra resale value after just 2-3 years of ownership favoring the Long Range.
Driving Range and Battery Specs
For EVs, driving distance per charge makes or breaks functionality for many owners. Here the Long Range justifies its name with a segment-topping 358 miles from its upgraded battery.
Let‘s compare what gives the Long Range its extended reach:
| Spec | Long Range | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | 82 kWh | 80.5 kWh |
| Cell Chemistry | Lithium-Ion | Lithium-Ion |
| Thermal Management | Liquid-cooled | Liquid-cooled |
| Motors | Dual (front + rear) | Dual (front + rear) |
| Regen Braking | Yes | Yes |
- The Long Range‘s battery bests the Performance with 15% extra capacity (82 kWh vs 80.5 kWh)
- Added weight is minimized through meticulous engineering (just 48 lbs more)
Combined with purposeful power reduction, the Long Range banner model maximizes driving distance versus the Performance. Still, 315 miles remains extremely capable for the vast majority of drivers.
Acceleration and Performance
While the Long Range is no slouch, the Performance lives up to its name as the quickest Model 3 available. Let‘s examine why:
- Suite of custom calibration focused solely on performance
- Revised stability/traction control
- Unique 4 piston front brake calipers
- Lower coilover suspension enhances handling
- 21" Wheels + Performance Tires boost grip
- Power increase over Long Range
- Modified transmission gearing
- Launch control for optimum 0-60 mph sprints
- Carbon fiber spoiler to improve downforce
This athletic hardware enables the Performance to rocket from 0-60 mph in just 3.1 seconds. That‘s near supercar acceleration traditionally reserved for exotics costing 10X as much! Top speed also increases to 162 mph – a useful 17 mph over the Long Range for those rare times you can fully flex its legs.
While the Long Range misses out on dedicated performance upgrades, don‘t underestimate its profoundly quick 4.2 second 0-60 sprint and refined chassis tuning. Future over-the-air updates may also allow range models to enable acceleration boost mode for a 0-60 blast as low as 3.7 seconds by temporarily allowing increased power draw.
Features and Styling Variances
Since both variants use the same Model 3 chassis, you‘d be forgiven for struggling to distinguish them visually:
Long Range Exterior Identifiers
- Optional 18" Aero or 19" Sport wheels
- Standard body height and ride elevation
Performance Exterior Identifiers
- Standard 21" Überturbine wheels
- High performance tires
- Red painted brake calipers
- Lowered sport suspension
- Carbon fiber rear spoiler
Shared Premium Cabins
- Modern minimalist design
- 15" center touchscreen display
- Premium audio system
- LED interior lighting
- Navigation/maps
- Smartphone integration
While wheel choices and stance vary externally, both contain identical tech-laden cockpits. Heated seats, steering wheel, and wiper blades help during cold weather while a arguably sparse interior keeps sightlines clear.
Over-the-air updates continuously expand functionality too – even allowing video games or Netflix when parked! Owners praise build quality and luxury as well beyond the Model 3‘s affordability.
Safety & Drivers Assistance
With 5-star crash ratings across the board and high-strength aluminum chassis, both configurations provide exceptional protection. Safety gear includes:
- Forward collision warning
- Automatic emergency braking
- Blind spot monitoring
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Side collision avoidance assist
- Lane keeping steering assist
- Lane departure avoidance
Cameras, radars, and sensors afford advanced self-driving features too. Future prospects like automatic lane changing/navigation on city streets offer additional promise down the road via software updates.
Which Model 3 Is Right For You?
Now for the million dollar question – Long Range or Performance?
The Long Range Shines For…
- Maximizing EV driving range
- High speed road trip viability
- Comfort over performance
- Added safety from extra stability systems
- Higher resale value from slower depreciation
The Model 3 Performance Excels At…
- Maximizing acceleration, speed, braking performance
- Aggressive track day driving
- Exclusive wheel designs & exterior accents
- Superior traction from ultra-performance tires
- Improved cornering and handling dynamics
For many buyers, the Long Range‘s practical advantages outweigh the Performance‘s flashy speed. Still, I‘d suggest test driving both back-to-back. Tap into each trim‘s unique strengths aligned with your top priorities before deciding!
Common Questions from Model 3 Shoppers:
Q: Is the Performance model‘s extra cost justified?
A: It depends! If you love exploiting a sports sedan‘s limits or racing from red lights, the Performance warrants its $6k premium. Most drivers better served by the Long Range‘s range though.
Q: Can the Long Range enable acceleration boost for more speed?
A: Yes! While not quite as explosive as the Performance, Long Range drivers can now optionally purchase acceleration boost to access 3.7 0-60 mph times. A worthwhile upgrade costing just $2,000 for those wanting more kick.
I‘m happy to answer any other questions interested EV shoppers may have too! Feel free to connect.
Hopefully you now feel equipped to determine whether the Long Range or Performance best matches your Model 3 aspirations after breaking down their unique strengths and ideal buyer profiles point-by-point. I‘m bullish on either option radically transforming expectations once behind the wheel.
Let me know which trim sounded most enticing in the comments!
