Over the last decade, Tesla has gone from being virtually unknown to being one of the most valuable car brands in the world. Tesla has completely changed the face of the automotive industry and forced other automakers to take the electric vehicle segment seriously, which is why consumers now have a large selection of cheap EVs to choose from.
One of the most popular vehicles in Tesla's lineup is the Model 3, for which they introduced a performance version in 2018. Like other Teslas, the Model 3 Performance has lots of fans and an equal number of haters. Let's explore five reasons why the Tesla Model 3 Performance is loved versus five reasons why many gearheads steer clear of it.
10 Why The Tesla Model 3 Performance Is Awesome: Unbeatable Acceleration
One of the main reasons why gearheads are falling in love with electric cars is their acceleration. Since EVs have less complicated drivetrains, their power is delivered to the wheels almost instantaneously, which is why they are quicker off the line than gas-powered cars.
The Model 3 Performance is propelled by two electric motors that produce 449 hp, allowing it to go from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.1 seconds. To put this into perspective, the Model 3 Performance is quicker than the latest Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 - which uses a 760-hp supercharged V8.
9 Why We Still Won't Buy One: It's Not Much Of An Upgrade Over The Regular Model 3
The Model 3 Performance costs almost $20,000 more than the base Model 3, which is enough to buy a brand new 2021 Kia Forte. For such a price difference, one would expect the Model 3 Performance to be a massive upgrade, but it's not.
For one, the Model 3 Performance has a similar design to the Model 3. There's no way for gearheads to show that they have the best, fastest Model 3 on the road. To be fair, the Model 3 Performance has a better 0-60 mph time and range than the base Model 3, but not enough to justify the upgrade cost.
8 Why The Tesla Model 3 Performance Is Awesome: More Than Enough Range
Range anxiety is one of the biggest reasons why many gearheads are still reluctant to buy electric cars. No one wants to run out of power while driving, especially in an area where they can't find a charger.
Thankfully, that's not a problem in the Tesla Model 3 Performance. The car offers up to 315 miles of range on a full charge, making it one of the longest-range EVs in the market. On top of that, the Model 3 Performance can charge up to 200 miles in just 15 minutes at a Supercharger station.
7 Why We Still Won't Buy One: Charging Is Still An Issue
The Model 3 Performance may have an impressive range, but buyers still need to charge it. There are several ways to charge up. At-home charging is the most common, but it can take anywhere from 7 hours to 4 days to fill up, depending on the type of charger used.
Going to a Tesla Supercharger is the fastest way to charge up, as it takes less than an hour to get 80 percent. However, with only 908 Supercharger stations in the US, finding one can be a challenge, and there's a good chance one will have to wait in line.
6 Why The Tesla Model 3 Performance Is Awesome: Strong Safety Ratings
The Tesla Model 3 Performance is one of the safest cars available today, having received a 5-star overall safety rating by the NHTSA. There are several reasons why the Model 3 is safe. For one, the battery placement lowers its center of gravity, reducing the chances of rollover crashes.
The Model 3 is also equipped with multiple sensors and cameras that help drivers avoid accidents. It also has several advanced driver assistance systems, including ABS, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and forward-collision warning.
5 Why We Still Won't Buy One: Poor Build Quality
One of the biggest problems people have with American cars is poor build quality. Tesla is also plagued by build quality issues, which is not surprising considering that the automaker is still fairly new to the game.
Some of the most common issues Model 3 Performance owners have reported include door, window, and trunk defects. Paint blemishes are also common, as are rust issues in older models. Thankfully, Tesla's customer service is exemplary, and they're even willing to send a technical team to an owner's home to fix arising issues.
4 Why The Tesla Model 3 Performance Is Awesome: Advanced Technology
Tesla is one of the most innovative automakers in the world, which is why so many people love it, particularly the younger generations. Tesla cars are designed to look like they're straight out of the future and equipped with technologies that are not found in other vehicles.
For instance, Tesla's enhanced Autopilot system is considered to be the future of the auto industry, as it allows for self-driving capabilities on public roads. Other gimmicks such as the AutoPark and AutoSummon features show the company's advanced technology.
3 Why We Still Won't Buy One: It's Too Expensive
The Model 3 Performance may look like an ordinary four-door sedan, but its price tag suggests otherwise. At $56,990, the Model 3 Performance is one of the most expensive EVs today, and to many gearheads, it's just not worth it.
To put it into perspective, the Model 3 Performance costs twice as much as a 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata, twice as much as a 2021 Ford Mustang, and almost the same as a 2021 Porsche Boxster. However, people don't seem to care as the car's demand is still super high.
2 Why The Tesla Model 3 Performance Is Awesome: Regular Over-The-Air Updates
Over-the-air updates are changing the auto industry. Just like smartphones and computers, Tesla cars can receive software updates that can have a significant impact on performance, handling, safety, and other elements.
When a Tesla Model 3 Performance leaves the production line, it's just the first version. Over its lifetime, it can receive over-the-air updates that make it feel new. For example, Tesla recently equipped the Model Y and Model 3 with its new "Tesla Vision" system via an update, restoring Autopilot capabilities.
1 Why We Still Won't Buy One: Impossible To Repair Yourself
Even if modern gas-powered cars are a lot more complicated than those of the past, most gearheads can still get their cars to run should they find themselves stranded on the side of the road. If they can't fix the problem, a mechanic is usually not too far away.
This is not the case with a Tesla Model 3 Performance. Even skilled mechanics may not be able to fix a simple issue with the car. Drivers typically have to call a tow truck to get the car to a safe place as they wait for a Tesla technician to come and fix the problem.