2023 model s plaid or 2026 model 3 performance

Plaid easy. Just gonna be so fun to drive

You do have a family? Dog? Model S, are you alone, and enjoy go-karts, Model 3

The model 3 performance is more than fast enough. It’s more than you need. I got a m3p 2026 and to be fair… I should have went for the cheaper Tesla en save some pennies.

Literally the plaid is not worth the money compared to the m3p. You’re paying an extra 40-50k for .3 seconds faster 0-60 and way more depreciation

The plaid has already gone through its largest depreciation hit and it's the faster and more luxurious car. If the mileage doesn't bother you, get the plaid. It also won't be in production soon so it may hold its value well. The m3p is still an amazing car, not as fast but you can get 0.99% APR on it right now so it could end up costing much less than the plaid. You will have to run the numbers for your situation. The plaid will be more fun for sheer acceleration, the m3p will be more agile.

Spoken like someone who's never owned a plaid I've had a plaid of two ludicrouses and two model three performances and I absolutely prefer my model 3 performance over the plaid if you like driving the car going fast in a straight line gets old real fast.

I own a 2022 S, have driven the plaid many times. Its ok for us to have different opinions. No need to be condescending, not that deep. Its my opinion and my opinion stands

M3 for cornering MS for straight lines and highway hauling

Where you getting a new m3p for 20k? The 23 plaids are going for 60-75k

3 just for the stalks. 🤣

Performance wise I think it’s a wash with different cars presenting different characteristics that folks here describe well. I think the more important issue is whether your lifestyle demands a slightly larger than mid size car, or a small sedan. The M3P has been large enough for our family of 4 for most needs. (But I also have a minivan for bigger duties.) I also think the M3P is a bit more nimble in city situations, and more fun to drive but I like twisties. The Plaid would be a better highway machine if you do a lot of that.

I am actually hating the idea of going back to stalks when my s lease is up

Agree that most are right depends on what you need size wise. I had a 22 LR MS and now a 25 M3 perf and the build quality of the 25 m3 is leagues ahead. The 22 model was put together like a joke for the price it commanded. I would really consider that as well not sure how much better 23 was. Both are fast the m3p has nicer seats as well if that matters to you and interior lighting. The S has nicer adaptive suspension but if that goes out you’re looking at more maintenance expenses. I did enjoy the larger space in the trunk and comfort of the S as well as the clear bright screen cluster in front of you but besides those I think the 3P is a clear winner. I also have another minivan to haul the family so that’s something else to consider. The S is a really good all rounder with more range as well.

.3 seconds? Huh? It’s considerably faster than that, and a much nicer car to be in. Source: I’ve owned both.

Really? I miss indicating without issues. Sometimes it doesn’t engage when I press the button

Also going fast in a straight line gets boring semi fast and I barely push on it as much as I used to unless you just like to hoon around town all the time. 90% of the MS drivers I see on the road drive slow.

I only see the Model S occasionally and it evokes an aspirational emotion from me every time… but the model 3? Sure, it’s alright… lol!

It took me a few days to get used to it. But yeah I really hate when I get in my wife's car and I have the stalks there. They're just in the way and annoying LOL.

To each their own but what do the stalks get in the way of??

Easily S.

I don't know. I'm just used to not seeing them sticking out there in front of me and now I have to reach for them to use the wipers or the turn signals. At least for me personally I just like everything on the wheel

thanks for all comments. how does the ride quality compare, such as absorbing bumps on the road? also in terms of cost of ownership (factoring in repairs and depreciation), which one would be cheaper to own over the next 10 years?

2 quick questions. Are you tall and have you sat in both yet? Model 3 actually has more leg room and a better seat to pedal ratio for tall people. Depending on the seating and leg position you are comfortable with. Model 3 might be a better bet. If you are tall. Sit in both for a good 20+ minutes and make sure your ankle can handle it. Model S is a decent size, but a noticeable amount less leg room than Model 3 and something I could not comfortably drive for a long time.

I'm not tall so it wouldn't be an issue :)

Plaid

Plaid will have better ride quality Model 3 will be cheaper to own in terms of maintenance

Make sure S fits in your garage. For me it made the decision easy.

I own a 23 plaid. Couldn’t disagree more. Very fun to drive. Different strokes for different folks. No need to be condescending.

Where is the model s fun to drive other than the 0 to 60 or 60 to 130 it doesn't handle well in the corners it's very heavy it's just a comfortable luxury ride the model 3 is a performance car that can carve the corners go to an autocross and have a great time

For highway hauling I would say the Cyber truck is better if all you care about is going fast in a straight line every now and then cool I just saying it got old to me

My point was is if you drove a plaid every day you would get bored with that aspect of it the first time that I took my plaid through the canyon and it felt like a heavy tank

And i disagree. I drive an s which is the same car but a bit slower and i love how fast that even is. Not bored of it one bit, i also like all the little extra bells and whistles you get like the extra screen behind the wheel, the extra space, etc. i think buying a new car is also never a good idea so to me buying a hugely discounted plaid is 100% the move