Which One Should You Buy? Tesla Model 3 vs Model Y, SR vs LR

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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	Available for delivery immediately (US) and within 6 months for overseas markets Most affordable Tesla Eligible for up to $3,750 in US federal tax credit Chrome trim EV cars over 200 mile range have best resale value Tow hitch coming V3 Supercharger eligible Eligible for FSD chip upgrade Visit the Tesla factory in Fremont!	More cargo space than 3 SR More seating capacity with upgrade than 3 SR Slightly higher range than 3 SR Rear hatchback Standard chrome delete EV cars over 200 mile range have best resale value Tow hitch coming V3 Supercharger eligible Eligible for FSD chip upgrade Visit the Tesla factory in Fremont!
LR	Available for delivery immediately Longest range of any Model 3 or Y Eligible for up to $3,750 in US federal tax rebate Most affordable EV per mile of range Chrome trim Includes Premium Package EV cars over 200 mile range have best resale value Tow hitch coming V3 Supercharger eligible Eligible for FSD chip upgrade Fastest 0 to 60 mph times of the four Tesla models compared Highest top speed of the four Tesla models compares Visit the Tesla factory in Fremont!	More cargo space than 3 More seating capacity with upgrade than 3 Rear hatchback Standard chrome delete Includes Premium Package EV cars over 200 mile range have best resale value Tow hitch coming V3 Supercharger eligible Eligible for FSD chip upgrade Faster 0 to 60 mph compared to Y SR Higher top speed compared to Y SR Visit the Tesla factory in Fremont!

Considerations	Model 3	Model Y
SR	Lowest Tesla range No items from Premium Edition No 7-seat option Less cargo space than Y No rear hatchback	Available for delivery in Spring 2021 (US) No items from Premium Edition Unknown safety ratings (but will lead class) Unknown order backlog About 10% more than Model 3 SR
LR	More expensive than SR No 7-seat option Less cargo space than Y No rear hatchback	Available for delivery in Fall 2020 (US) Most expensive of the four Tesla models compared More expensive than Y SR Lower range than 3 LR Unknown safety ratings (but will lead class) Unknown order backlog About 5.5% more than 3 LR

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.