USA EV Comparison: Tesla Model S Plaid vs Model 3 Performance
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General Info
The Tesla Model S Plaid (2025-…) is currently produced, it has a starting price of $99990. The Tesla Model 3 Performance (2018-2024) has been discontinued. You can find it for as low as $15500 on the used car market.
The Tesla Model S Plaid (2025-…) is a Liftback, whereas the Tesla Model 3 Performance (2018-2024) is a Sedan.
| Property | Tesla Model S Plaid | Tesla Model 3 Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Years of Production | 2025-… | 2018-2024 |
| Current Status | Produced | Discontinued |
| Country of Manufacture | USA | China, Germany, USA |
| Body Style | Liftback | Sedan |
| Market Availability | EU, USA | EU, USA |
| Price USA (New) | $99990 | - Price USA (New) |
| Price USA (Used) | - Price USA (Used) | $15500 |
| GCC Score | 7.8 | 7.2 |
Range and Efficiency
While the Tesla Model S Plaid (2025-…) offers a longer real-world range and a bigger battery, it is less energy-efficient than the Tesla Model 3 Performance (2018-2024).
| Property | Tesla Model S Plaid | Tesla Model 3 Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Range (EPA) | 368 mi | 315 mi |
| Range (WLTP) | 373 mi | 352 mi |
| Range (GCC) | 333 mi | 304 mi |
| Battery Capacity (Nominal) | 100 kWh | 82 kWh |
| Battery Capacity (Usable) | 95 kWh | 76 kWh |
| Efficiency per 100 mi | 28.5 kWh/100 mi | 25 kWh/100 mi |
| Efficiency per kWh | 3.51 mi/kWh | 4 mi/kWh |
| Range and Efficiency Score | 8.7 | 8.8 |
Charging
Both vehicles utilize a standard 400-volt architecture.
Both vehicles support DC fast charging with a maximum power of 250 kW.
Both vehicles are equipped with the same on-board charger, supporting a maximum AC charging power of 11.5 kW.
| Property | Tesla Model S Plaid | Tesla Model 3 Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Max Charging Power (AC) | 11.5 kW | 11.5 kW |
| Max Charging Power (DC) | 250 kW | 250 kW |
| Architecture | 400 V | 400 V |
| Charge Port | Tesla (NACS) | Tesla (NACS) |
| Charging Score | 7.6 | 7.3 |
Performance
Both vehicles are all-wheel drive.
The Tesla Model S Plaid (2025-…) boasts greater motor power and accelerates faster from 0 to 60 mph.
| Property | Tesla Model S Plaid | Tesla Model 3 Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Type | AWD | AWD |
| Motor Type | PMSM (front), 2 PMSM (rear) | IM (front), PMSM (rear) |
| Motor Power (kW) | 760 kW | 377 kW |
| Motor Power (hp) | 1020 hp | 506 hp |
| Motor Torque | 1047 lb-ft | 487 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 2 s | 3.1 s |
| Top Speed | 200 mph | 162 mph |
| Performance Score | 8.5 | 6.7 |
Dimensions
The Tesla Model S Plaid (2025-…) is longer and wider, but about the same height as the Tesla Model 3 Performance (2018-2024).
The Tesla Model S Plaid (2025-…) boasts a more extended wheelbase.
| Property | Tesla Model S Plaid | Tesla Model 3 Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 197.7 in | 184.8 in |
| Width (with Mirrors) | 86.2 in | 82.2 in |
| Width (w/o Mirrors) | 78.2 in | 72.8 in |
| Height | 56.3 in | 56.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 116.5 in | 113.2 in |
Cargo and Towing
The Tesla Model S Plaid (2025-…) provides more cargo capacity, featuring both a larger trunk and more space with the rear seats folded.
Both models feature a convenient frunk (front trunk), providing additional storage space.
Neither vehicle is officially rated for towing in the US.
| Property | Tesla Model S Plaid | Tesla Model 3 Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Curb Weight | 4802 lb | 4072 lb |
| Cargo Volume (Trunk) | 25 ft3 | 19.8 ft3 |
| Cargo Volume (Max) | 61.4 ft3 | 43.6 ft3 |
| Cargo Volume (Frunk) | 3.1 ft3 | 3.1 ft3 |
| Cargo and Towing Score | 6.1 | 4.7 |
