[decafninja]

Completely agree with that too.

Not to nitpick, but the fastest non-M 3 series is the M340, which has been tested to 3.8s 0-60 and can probably be leased for about the same as a Model 3 Performance. Disclaimer: it's my current daily driver.

The M3 is the more interesting comparison, and Elon specifically had the older one in his crosshairs vs. the Model 3 Performance trim. Based on various Youtube videos, the pre 2021 Model 3P seems to beat or match most of its competitors in various metrics at a significantly lower price. Would be interesting how the post 2021 Model 3P compares against the new hog-nosed BMW M3 and the upcoming 4cyl+electricmotor C63 AMG.

I'm actually scheduled to test drive a Model 3 this weekend so I'm curious how it will feel vs. the M340. I've never driven an EV before.

[philg_jr]

Be prepared to be impressed. I got myself into a '21 Model 3 LR and the acceleration puts a smile on my face every time I drive it. And this is from someone with a very heavily modded 4-cyl turbo car with a medium frame turbo and 20psi. 340 ft-lb is nothing to scoff at when it's on tap instantaneously. I really want to take a Model 3P for a test drive, I wish I knew someone.

And the Model 3 has been around for 4? years now? The fit and finish I'm guessing has improved greatly, but I really have no idea. I ordered and picked up mine without ever test driving one. I guess I put a lot of faith in it, but I love it. No regrets. Bring on the electrification of all vehicles. Can't wait for an electric pickup truck.

[bradlys]

You can just go to a Tesla store and drive one. I did. Wasn’t even accompanied on the drive (thank god - the dude would’ve barfed). Drove it up to skyline and back from Palo Alto. I took out the performance too.

Unlike you, I wasn’t impressed. Acceleration was good but other than that, it doesn’t feel much better than any other cheap car. Definitely worse than a BMW. (I own a BMW and can compare) The body roll is significant. Seats are horrible. (Literally couldn’t stay in seat, no bolstering and very slippery vinyl) Brakes were about the only thing that felt comparable but had this eery feeling that they were going to fade at any moment without any notice. So, I wasn’t really confident in going full send. Some people probably know what I mean...

If all you care about is straight line acceleration then Tesla could be quite good. For me, I like curves more and Tesla has to come out with a specific sport car variant for it to compete on that front.

Oh and I’m used to sound and wind in my hair because I drive convertibles. So, there’s that too. I don’t expect anything like that anytime soon. Too niche for American market.

[DennisP]

Apparently a quick google is less reliable than direct experience :)

I'd be curious to see your impressions after your test drive.