Skip to main content

Unable to Decide Between Tesla Model S and Model 3? Here are Some Tips

The two newest Tesla model vehicles, the Model S and the Model 3, have caused a lot of discussion. Many people are wondering which one is better, which one is of higher quality, and which one is worth the money. Their cars are considered some of the best luxury cars, and are given some of the absolute highest ratings in the industry. Reddit is a popular website for people to give each other advice on which cars are the best, and on which model of the two is worth purchasing.

Reddit user “Saralentine” started a question forum, stating that they were unsure of which model, Model S or Model 3, they should purchase. They asked which car is worth the price and which car offers what one should aim to seek in a car.

According to Reddit user “reefine,” if one is concerned more with a car’s technology, then the Model 3’s interface may be better than the Model S’s. The Model 3 also has a larger battery, which means that it has a longer range.

However, user “Teslike” wrote, “The Model S100D is plenty fast. Therefore I recommend the Model S 100D for the longest range. The 20 miles extra range you get in the Model S 100D is important. The extra range enables you to drive at higher speeds between Superchargers or to skip some stations. However, I also recommend that you reserve a Model 3 and wait for the Model 3 LRD (Long Range, AWD, Non-performance version). That car will have about 20 miles more range than the Model S 100D and it will also have shorter supercharge sessions. The advertised range of that car will be 310 miles but the real world range will be 20 miles more than the Model S 100D. Tesla is under-advertising Model 3 specs and inflating Model S specs. The Model S 100D doesn't have 335 miles real world range. Therefore I recommend switching from the Model S 100D to the Model 3 LRD. If you become a Tesla owner, you will be able to buy the Model 3 LRD when it comes out later this year. You will be in front of all non-owners in the reservation queue.”

User “pmsyyz” was one of the only users in the forum who suggested the Model S in terms of battery life. They said that the batteries in the vehicle have a higher performance and are easier to cool because of their smaller size.

Overall, it seems, between the two cars, the Model 3 is the one that people recommend the most. Also, check out these 3 stories discussing some similarities and differences between Tesla Model 3 and Model S.

First, surprisingly, Model 3 has five key advantages over the Model S. Second, here are some opinions from the people who have sat in Tesla Model 3 and Model S. See how they compare them. Third, in case you like camping, here is how it feel to sleep in a Model 3 vs Model S vs Model X.

If you know anything about either of the models, which one would you recommend to someone who wants to know which one is worth purchasing? Which one is a better quality car, in your opinion? Please leave your thoughts in the comments.

Comments

Jack (not verified)    February 23, 2018 - 3:54PM

My non-tech answer: We own both; we love both Tesla Model S and Model 3. The Model S is larger so offers a more luxurious cocoon-like feel while the Model 3 is smaller and feels more sporty (lots of fun on winding roads, never having to touch the brake).

Monil (not verified)    February 23, 2018 - 3:55PM

I would not go from Model S to Model 3unless budget is a concern. I went the opposite way from Tesla Model 3 booking to Model S, many reasons but the features on Model 3 do not justify the 60K price tag.

Matt (not verified)    February 23, 2018 - 3:55PM

Yes, I did go from Tesla Model S to Model 3. It was the best decision I've made with a car in a while. So much nicer to drive (but I didn't like how huge the S is on the road). 3 is just better designed in so many ways. Yes, the S is better in a few ways, but in the opinion of me and my wife, the 3 wins.

Joe (not verified)    February 23, 2018 - 3:57PM

We have both: Model 3 and Model S. The tech on Model 3 is more efficient than on my 2015 S85, but we love them both. I have ordered anew Model S 2018 too.

Brahm (not verified)    February 23, 2018 - 3:57PM

For a short time about a month ago I thought about going to a used Tesla Model S. However I have decided that since I’ve waited for the 3 for so long, a couple of more months won’t hurt.

Handry (not verified)    February 23, 2018 - 3:58PM

I am seriously thinking about switching from Tesla Model S to Model 3. I love the new tech compared to my pre AP S. But the Model S is a nice car.

Naa (not verified)    February 24, 2018 - 8:59AM

We went the opposite. Went down to fashion island on the first day Model 3 was available in showroom. We got to sit in it, play with the controls, check out the space, then test drive the S. Although the Model 3 was nice but a little too small for our numerous road trip and camping outings. Yes, the price difference was there, but once we weighted all the feature that the S has, my wife will be a happy girl.

Lucas (not verified)    February 24, 2018 - 9:00AM

I decided to keep my Model S rather than go with a Model 3. Why?
- S has a hatchback, which is useful when transporting bikes/tvs/etc.
- S has the digital display in front of me with the regenerative power display, turn by turn display, music display, etc.
- S has an easier to read center display because it is tilted toward the driver
- my S has no problems. A Model 3 might have some kinks to work out...
- my S has AWD. The Model 3 doesn't yet have that feature
- my S does 0 to 60 in 2.6 seconds with Ludicrous mode...
- my S has autopilot V1 that works well right now
- my S has unlimited free supercharging for the life of the car