Global EV Comparison: Tesla Model 3 Performance vs Model S Plaid
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General Info
While the Tesla Model S Plaid (2025-…) is currently produced, it is not offered for sale in Europe. The Tesla Model 3 Performance (2018-2024) has been discontinued. You can find it for as low as €23650 on the used car market.
The Tesla Model 3 Performance (2018-2024) is a Sedan, whereas the Tesla Model S Plaid (2025-…) is a Liftback.
| Property | Tesla Model 3 Performance | Tesla Model S Plaid |
|---|---|---|
| Years of Production | 2018-2024 | 2025-… |
| Current Status | Discontinued | Produced |
| Country of Manufacture | China, Germany, USA | USA |
| Body Style | Sedan | Liftback |
| Market Availability | EU, USA | EU, USA |
| Price Europe (Used) | €23650 | - Price Europe (Used) |
| GCC Score | 7.2 | 7.8 |
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 3 Performance | Tesla Model S Plaid |
|---|---|---|
| Range (EPA) | 507 km | 592 km |
| Range (WLTP) | 567 km | 600 km |
| Range (GCC) | 489 km | 536 km |
| Battery Capacity (Nominal) | 82 kWh | 100 kWh |
| Battery Capacity (Usable) | 76 kWh | 95 kWh |
| Efficiency per 100 km | 15.5 kWh/100 km | 17.7 kWh/100 km |
| Efficiency per kWh | 6.43 km/kWh | 5.64 km/kWh |
| Range and Efficiency Score | 8.8 | 8.7 |
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 kW.
| Property | Tesla Model 3 Performance | Tesla Model S Plaid |
|---|---|---|
| Max Charging Power (AC) | 11 kW | 11 kW |
| Max Charging Power (DC) | 250 kW | 250 kW |
| Architecture | 400 V | 400 V |
| Charge Port | CCS Type 2 (Tesla) | CCS Type 2 (Tesla) |
| Charging Score | 7.3 | 7.6 |
Performance
Both vehicles are all-wheel drive.
The Tesla Model S Plaid (2025-…) boasts greater motor power and accelerates faster from 0 to 100 km/h.
| Property | Tesla Model 3 Performance | Tesla Model S Plaid |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Type | AWD | AWD |
| Motor Type | IM (front), PMSM (rear) | PMSM (front), 2 PMSM (rear) |
| Motor Power (kW) | 377 kW | 760 kW |
| Motor Power (hp) | 506 hp | 1020 hp |
| Motor Torque | 660 Nm | 1420 Nm |
| 0-100 km/h | 3.3 s | 2.1 s |
| Top Speed | 261 km/h | 322 km/h |
| Performance Score | 6.7 | 8.5 |
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 3 Performance | Tesla Model S Plaid |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 4695 mm | 5021 mm |
| Width (with Mirrors) | 2088 mm | 2189 mm |
| Width (w/o Mirrors) | 1850 mm | 1987 mm |
| Height | 1445 mm | 1431 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2875 mm | 2960 mm |
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.
The Tesla Model S Plaid (2025-…) has a towing capacity of up to 1600 kg, whereas the Tesla Model 3 Performance (2018-2024) is not officially rated for towing in the EU.
| Property | Tesla Model 3 Performance | Tesla Model S Plaid |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Curb Weight | 1847 kg | 2178 kg |
| Cargo Volume (Trunk) | 561 l | 709 l |
| Cargo Volume (Max) | 1235 l | 1739 l |
| Cargo Volume (Frunk) | 88 l | 89 l |
| Towing Capacity | - Towing Capacity | 1600 kg |
| Cargo and Towing Score | 4.7 | 6.1 |
