Why You Should NOT Buy the Tesla Model 3 Performance | Get the Long Range Dual Motor Instead

Trying to decide which Tesla Model 3 to buy? This video explains why I think you should avoid the Model 3 Performance, and get the Long Range Dual Motor instead. The performance version of the car is a ton of fun but results in numerous compromises that most people don't know about!

Did this video help you make a decision, or were there other factors you were considering that helped you decide?

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[ejay]

I bought the Performance and my friend just got the Long Range and added the acceleration boost for $2k and we ran against each other about 6X and I am beating him about 1/2 car. Everyone get the Long Range, my tires are already shot!

[DannerBanks]

My Performance is arriving Monday, but I still think this video is very applicable, not only to Model 3 buyers, but performance car buyers in general. STI vs. WRX, for example. Personally, I was aware of the trade offs and went with the Performance anyway, but for anyone who WASN'T aware of the tradeoffs, I think this video is very valuable.

[poweredbyalpaca]

You just saved my life. I pick up my MYLR day after tomorrow and I was stressing all day about whether I was making a mistake not getting the performance. I knew all the facts but you organized them and presented in such a concise manner that it made everything really sink in and make sense. 🙏🏼

[kiwimp]

I bought the performance because I liked the look of the bigger wheels and lowered suspension. Zero regrets.

[masterninjaworrior]

Finally someone puts out actual information about the Tesla instead of just reviewing surface level things about it. Rare videos like this one, thank you!

[WillowMint]

I got the LR and I’m so happy with my choice. Eventually I will get the acceleration boost. The performance is nice, but the LR is cheaper and more practical for everyday driving.

[ranyshawket]

Thank you so much for honest and kind video, I regret buying the model 3 performance. Just purchased a 22 model 3 performance such a nice car but I work 80 miles one way and holy lord the drive quality on the freeway is the A Honda civic has a better ride quality than the performance I think I will sell it and go for the dual motor

[FiveInline]

I bought the Performance, and i would have bought it over the LR anyday. Love the car.

Its my daily driver.

[AndreMercado]

I was going for the Performance but after your video, i will be dropping to the LR. thank you for breaking down all the info and saving me some cash that i can used on accessories.

[donutman]

You make some very valid points for anyone seriously considering the LR or the Performance. I feel those going for the latter really do want that 3.2s 0-60, even with the practicality drawbacks. It's a different feeling knowing you could beat most entry supercars off the line again and again.

[jasonhatfield]

These are the same reasons I decided against a Model Y Performance. The wheels are horrendous for most climates in the US and instantly require an additional set of wheels and tires. Tesla needs to bring back the "stealth performance" option, meaning you can purchase the performance acceleration with nothing else. I would have definitely gone that route if available.

[ZoranAUS]

Thanks mate, this helped cool my jets, got a LR on order and was starting to lean into "for just a little bit more I could have a performance" territory. For me this is ultimately a family car for road trips and camping. What really hit it home was passenger comfort, cost ownership e.g rubber and insurance. Looks like I'll be grabbing the performance boost to service my G-force needs :)

[drewluders]

This was the best video I've been able to find on the difference between the Performance and Long Range, especially with regards to owning one as a daily driver. Most of the Model 3 videos that I've found do not take into account practical aspects, they either talk about how stylish and fast it is OR how annoying certain quirks are of the entire Model 3 line. Thanks for making this vid.

[cashfrost]

This is a good video for people who are on the fence and not "car people". I have a 2021 M3 performance and I have no regrets getting it over the long range model.

[blackbriarmead]

I'm about to graduate college, I'm waiting on results for a final interview for a 6 fig job offer. I've been thinking a lot about what car I want. I love driving, but I don't exactly love the car I have, which is a 2012 Ford Escape with 150k miles. It's got good comfort, and it's relatively quick, but the drive is floaty because it's an SUV. I've also driven my boyfriend's 2008 Honda fit sport a lot, and I like the steering feel and the manual transmission, but It's old, beat up, slow, and uncomfortable. I just demo drove a Tesla model 3 standard+, and the electric powertrain was truly mindboggling. I really appreciated how I didn't have to wait for the automatic gearbox to do its thing, or have to row through gears and use the clutch. Despite being the slowest model 3, I was still very impressed with the performance. However, I still felt like I could use more acceleration than what the standard model provided. It's not that it was slow, I just wanted something even more exciting. However, it did make me realize that I don't need the performance model for it to be super fun. With the acceleration boost, the Long Range model is actually not much slower than the performance model, and it comes with other benefits such as having a higher range, and other practical considerations that were brought up in this video. I think in the end I will end up going with the model 3 long range with acceleration boost, but I'm unsure whether I will be buying used or new at this time. I like the refinements of the latest refresh of the model 3, and I think I would wait at least 6 months after getting the job to get a car, so maybe I could buy a lightly used 2023 model 3 LR

[michaell]

Couple of things from a Canadian buyer;

The price of both models is over $70k (CDN), if you're going to buy a car for that price then a few thousand, either way, shouldn't matter.
Regarding the tires, anyone who lives in a cold climate should have AWD and winter tires so you're going to need winter tires regardless of the car you drive. And if I am spending $70k on a car, I shouldn't be concerned with how much the tires and wheels are...
Also, the difference in range between these two models is only 69 kilometers. If I were to regularly charge both models to 80%, the difference in range would be only 55 km, so I'll gladly spend the $3k more and enjoy the faster car.

[jamnorge]

Thank you for helping me choose the model 3 performance.

[RoguePCU]

One thing not mentioned. Rolling starts. If you're just going to drag race from a dead stop, then a Performance (or a 3 with Accel Boost) is a choice. But most everyday power use is going to come while in motion already. And tests show there is literally ZERO difference between the Performance and LR when matting the accelerator when already at 30/50mph etc. The Performance Model is only for the hardcore track junkie - or for those with money to burn. It's not a great value for the average joe.

[adeelio]

This argument is comparable to buying a C class/C63AMG or BMW 3 series/M3. You could do an ecu flash on the base models to match the acceleration of the performance models in those too and would ride softer on the base model. Lots of people buy amg/m cars and never track it. It's all about what you want and what makes you happy.

[Tacticalwon]

I just bought the performance as a daily driver/primary car in a cold climate. First thing I did was buy all season tires for it. Sure that was an added expense, and it gets less range, and everything else you mentioned is 100% true... but the feeling I get when I look at how cool the car looks with those wheels and brakes, and the feeling I get when I really put my foot down... worth every penny/downside. I'd say it has a certain "X" factor to it that the long range just doesn't have. And if that doesn't matter to you, then definitely get the long range. But if you're a "car guy/gal" and you are into the performance stuff and the looks, and it gives you butterflies every time you look at it and drive it, then it's totally worth it!