Which One Should You Buy? Tesla Model 3 vs Model Y, SR vs LR
Tesla Model 3 versus …
Tesla Model Y (not to scale)
Recently, I had a dilemma. I’m sure I am not the only one. I have made up my heart and mind to buy a Tesla. The Tesla Model 3 and Y both suit my needs very well. I decided to write down the pros and cons for the 3 vs the Y, and the Standard Range (SR) vs the Long Range (LR) for each. I created two summary tables, one called Positives and another called Considerations. If I missed any, please let me know in the comments below.
Between the 3 and Y, which makes more sense? It depends (the old economist’s crutch). If you want to purchase a Tesla immediately, the 3 is the better choice due to immediate availability and US federal tax incentives. The Y will arrive in 18 to 24 months, and longer for international sales.
Are you okay with less space or do you crave a larger vehicle? The Y will be larger, have an option to seat more people, and have a rear hatchback. The 3 compensates for its smaller size by having more range, higher top speed, and better acceleration from 0 mph to 60 mph.
Once you decide on which type of Tesla to buy, do you choose a SR or LR trim? I would say it depends (see above). It depends on your budget, how often you drive long distance, if you live in a cold climate, and how long you plan to keep the vehicle. If you have more budget, need to drive longer distances more often, live in a colder climate, or plan to keep the vehicle for a long time, the LR is your best bet. After writing down everything, the 3 LR makes the most sense to me. Fellow CleanTechnica writer Mr. Kyle Field suggested I get the Model 3 Performance. 🙂
Here are two prior articles from CleanTechnica writers comparing the Tesla Model 3 and Y: here and here.
Positives | Model 3 | Model Y |
SR |
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LR |
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Considerations | Model 3 | Model Y |
SR |
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LR |
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This ignores all the advantages any Tesla has over a similar luxury gas/diesel internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle. Below, I have linked to some articles from CleanTechnica or other sources where we have discussed the advantages in more detail. The advantages are numerous and point to how Tesla and EVs generally are better in the present and in the future.
Features | Advantage: Tesla | Advantage: Luxury ICE |
Mission driven to promote clean, sustainable energy | Check | |
Safety | Check | |
Instant torque / Fun | Check | |
TCO | Check | |
Lower maintenance costs | Check | |
Higher resale values | Check | |
Depreciation | Check | |
Engine efficiency | Check | |
Fuel cost | Check | |
Software | Check | |
OTA updates | Check | |
Summon / Enhanced Summon | Check | |
Fart Mode | Check | |
Dog Mode | Check | |
Sentry Mode | Check | |
Games | Check | |
Easter Eggs | Check | |
Price | Lower to Similar | Similar to Higher |
Same price in the same country | Check | |
Negotiate with dealerships | Check | |
Style | Many like it | Many like it |
Leather | Vegan | Cowhide |
Buttons | Minimalist | Maximalist |
Better for health & environment | Check | |
HEPA air filters | Check | |
Lower C02 life emissions | Check | |
Travel range | Check | |
Long-distance travel | Supercharging network | Gasoline network |
Gets cleaner over time as electric grid gets cleaner | Check | |
Mobile repair service | Check | |
Leasing | Coming soon | Check |
Political campaign donations by Big Oil / Big Auto to susceptible politicians | Nope | Check |
Promotes war | Nope | Check |
Promotes freedom, democracy, and sustainability | Check | Debatable (see above) |
As an example, I took my minivan to the Honda dealership today. My headlights and high beams were not working. There were 240 people ahead of me in line. I turned around and went home. Mobile Repair Service for the win.
I am highly excited to own my first EV and my first Tesla. Now I need to convince my significant other. My kids are already on board.
If this article was useful to you, I urge you to use this referral code when you want to buy your Tesla:
https://www.tesla.com/referral/christian9906
Both you and my good friend will get 1,000 free Supercharging miles, and my friend will get a chance to win a Founder’s Series Model Y or Roadster. The new referral program resets referrals at the end of every quarter.
Disclaimer: I currently own Tesla shares. I think $TSLAQQ people and bots have a severe problem with facts and logic, not to mention anti-social attitudes, and they are generally people I actively try to avoid. This article is my opinion and is not meant to be investment or financial advice. Please see a properly licensed financial advisor to discuss investments.
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