Tesla Model S Vs. Model 3: What Sets Them Apart (Then and Now)?

These Tesla sedans are priced around $35,000 apart. So, what makes the Model S and Model 3 so different? A look at power, size, specs & more.

Tesla introduced its first full-production EV, the Model S sedan, back in 2012. It featured a progressive design, exceptional performance, and a host of advanced tech facilities. Over the years, the company improved its offering, making it one of the best EVs you can buy. The only issue for some buyers is its price, which is too steep. 

Targeting more budget-conscious EV customers, Tesla unveiled the Model 3 in 2017. It boasts much of the same charm as its big brother at a more affordable price point. Thanks to its excellent range, performance, tech, and value-for-money proposition, the Model 3 is now the world’s best-selling zero-emission vehicle, with sales numbers beating all other cars in the company’s lineup. Plus, it received a significant facelift for 2024.

While both sedans are exceptional, there are some key differences between them. Here, we make a proper Tesla Model S vs. Model 3 comparison to determine which EV may suit you best. 

2024 Model S and 2024 Model 3 MSRP:

First, the latest pricing was taken directly from Tesla’s US and Canadian sites as of March 2024. US deliveries for the Model 3 Base will be in March 2024 and the Model 3 Long Range in May 2024; both Model S deliveries are set for March 2024. Interestingly, according to Tesla Canada’s site, all trims for both cars will arrive in March 2024. Again, check with your local Tesla dealer to get the exact dates.

2024 ModelUSCanada
Model S Base$71,090$99,990
Model S Plaid$86,090$124,990
Model 3 Base$35,990$53,990
Model 3 Long Range$44,740$63,990
* Please check the Tesla site for the latest prices, as these MSRPs may have changed.

Going back a couple of years, the entry-level 2022 Tesla Model S Long Range started at $94,990 (at the time of writing), while the Plaid went for a minimum of $129,990. On the other hand, the 2022 Model 3 RWD started at $44,990, the Long Range at $50,990, whereas the Performance demanded $58,990 and up. Both vehicles gave you many accessory options to adorn and equip your Tesla for an extra price.

Performance & Power

Model 3 Specs

Tesla-Model-3-2024-driving
2024 Tesla Model 3

The latest Tesla Model 3 received a significant 2024 update and comes in two variants:

  1. Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD): This version is the more affordable, continuing the tradition of balancing performance, range, and price.
  2. Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive (AWD): Also known as the Long Range AWD version, this variant provides enhanced performance, including quicker acceleration and potentially more significant range, compared to the RWD version.

The Tesla Model 3 offers two distinct driving experiences tailored to different preferences and needs. The Long Range variant, equipped with dual motor all-wheel drive, stands out for its superior range of approximately 340 miles or 548 km and quick acceleration, achieving 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds. In contrast, the Standard Range version offers a practical balance with its rear-wheel drive configuration, providing a respectable 272 miles or 438 km range and a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration time of 6.1 seconds.

The Model 3 Before 2024

For those buying a used model, the Model 3 was available in three variants before the 2024 update, offering different ranges and performance ratings. The least expensive Standard Range Plus came with an EPA-estimated range of 272 miles, zooming to 60 mph from a standstill position in 5.8 seconds, and topping out at 140 mph. 

2022 tesla Model 3 in red top view
2022 Tesla Model 3

The mid-level Long Range AWD delivered 358 miles between charges and could sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds on its way to a top speed of 145 mph. 

The flagship Performance Model 3 delivers 38 miles less than the Long Range, i.e., 315 miles, while delivering quicker acceleration. You can expect it to hit 60 mph in only 3.1 seconds and max out at 162 mph.

2022 SpecRear-Wheel DriveLong RangePerformance
Range272 mile358 miles315 miles
Cargo23 cu ft23 cu ft23 cu ft
DrivetrainRWDAWD (dual motor)AWD (dual motor)
0-60 mph5.8 sec4.2 sec3.1 sec
Top Speed140 mph145 mph162 mph

Model S Specs (Plaid and Plaid+)

2024 Tesla Model S front studio shot
2024 Tesla Model S

Tesla offers two flavours of the high-performance Model S:

  • Model S: the dual motor all-wheel drive version with the most range of the two Model S variants.
  • Model S Plaid: the tri-motor all-wheel drive performance version with a whopping 1,020 horsepower.

For the 2024 Tesla Model S, the Long Range variant boasts a range of up to 405 miles per charge, while the Plaid version offers slightly less at 359 miles. Performance-wise, the standard Model S can reach 60 mph in 2.4 seconds, with the Plaid model achieving this in just 2.1 seconds.

The Model S Before 2024

The more affordable, entry-level Long Range Model S in 2022 performed better than its little sibling. It delivered 40 miles of range with a 0-60 mph time of 3.1 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph. That’s 52 miles extra than the Long Range Model 3 and 10 mph quicker. If that’s still not enough, Tesla offered the Plaid.

2022 Tesla Model S. Photo: Tesla

In the last quarter of 2020, the American electric automaker revealed the tri-motor Plaid model, which boasts a 396-mile range, a 0-60 time of 1.99 seconds, and a top speed of 200 mph. Tesla initially planned to offer the Plaid+ version with 520+ miles of range but later dropped the idea. 

2022 SpecModel SModel S Plaid
Range405 mile396 miles
Cargo23 cu ft23 cu ft
DrivetrainAWD (dual motor)AWD (tri motor)
0-60 mph3.1 sec1.99 sec
Top Speed155 mph200 mph

Power is worlds apart

The 2022 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus had a single-motor rear-wheel-drive layout and generated 283 hp (211 kW). The Long Range AWD and Performance AWD offered 449 hp and 480 hp, respectively. Tesla had ensured the Model S reigned supreme in the power department of sedans. The dual-motor Long Range variant yields 670 horsepower, while the tri-motor Plaid creates a whopping 1,020 horsepower, even better than most supercars at the time and still today. 

2022 Tesla Model S Vs. 2022 Model 3
The 2022 models.

Model 3 and Model S Exterior & Interior Differences

Size sets them apart

2024 Model S:

In 2024, Tesla’s Model S and Model 3 continue to differentiate in size and features. While the Model S remains larger than the Model 3, with dimensions of 198 inches in length and a wheelbase of 118 inches, both vehicles offer ample passenger legroom compared to the Model 3’s 186 inches in length and 115-inch wheelbase.

2024-Tesla-Model-S-side
2024 Tesla Model S

Despite its larger size, the Model S retains its maneuverability advantage due to its shorter wheelbase, making it easier to navigate tight spaces and park in urban environments.

In terms of wheel options, the Model S now offers 20-inch or 22-inch performance wheels, while the Model 3 Standard and Long Range models come equipped with 19-inch or 20-inch wheels, with 21-inch wheels available for the performance variant.

Both models continue to offer the option of a tinted glass roof, enhancing their sleek and modern aesthetic appeal. The Model S maintains its distinctive slimline front grille, adding to its eye-catching design and distinguishing it from the Model 3.

2022 Model S:

The utterly obvious dissimilarity between the two Tesla sedans is their size. The Model S is bigger (196 vs. 184.8 length and 116.5 vs. 113.2 wheelbase) and heavier than the Model 3, but there isn’t much difference in the legroom (34.2/Model 3 versus 35.4/Model S). The shorter wheelbase of the Model 3 makes it easier to maneuver and park in tight spaces.

2022 Tesla Model S in blue driving front view
2022 Tesla Model S

Furthermore, the S offers 19″ or 21″ performance wheels while the Model 3 Standard and Long Range models sport 18″ or 19″ and 20″ on the performance variant. Both sedans offer the option of a tinted glass roof and look stunning, but the 2022 Model S slimline front grille is still a head-turner. 

Inside the Tesla cabins

The biggest attraction inside the new Tesla Model S is its 17-inch portrait touchscreen in the center, which Tesla also chose for the Model 3 but in 15-inch size. Besides, the Model 3 has a full steering wheel, which we usually find in other mainstream vehicles, but the Model S boasts the notorious ‘yoke’ steering we mostly see in Formula 1 cars. Is this yoke steering a good choice for a premium sedan? Different people have different opinions on it, but most drivers felt to adjust to the design in a short time.

Here’s our entire piece on the 2022 Tesla Model S interior

Importantly, though, you may feel that every detail in the interior is a little improved in the Model 3. While the earlier Model S had some built quality issues, the new interiors have evolved and complemented the vehicle’s exterior appearance. 

Besides having a 17-inch horizontal touchscreen, the Model S offers more cargo space – 28 cubic feet compared to a mere 15 cubic feet on the Model 3. The bigger luxury sedan also features a HEPA air filtration system to thwart viruses, bacteria, pollution, and smells from entering inside.

YouTuber, Jon Rettinger, is a popular tech reviewer and does a solid interior review in his 2021 video here.

Takeaway: which Tesla sedan should you buy?

Selecting between the two Teslas is never easy. The old-timer Model S is undoubtedly an excellent choice for a roomy sedan with good cargo space and unparalleled performance, but it is expensive. The refreshed model has many updates that make the offering more lucrative but add extra dough to an already expensive car.

In contrast, the Model 3 is a smaller and relatively slower alternative, presenting a decent range and performance at a reasonable price. It is why it has become the best-selling all-electric car in many countries with consistently strong sales. Plus, it’s been significantly updated for 2024.

Choosing the Standard Range Plus Model 3 is a no-brainer, considering the price factor. Pay a few more thousand dollars for dual-motor trim levels for better range and performance. 

Being a fresh sedan with a clear idea of customer expectations in the years to come, the Model 3 is evolving fast in design and performance. We expect to see many more updates above the latest ones we’ve already seen.

Generally, both Tesla cars are equally worthwhile. It all depends on how much money you can willingly spend. If you are an EV convert, starting with a Model 3 is wise. However, if you are looking for exceptional speed and luxury, go for the Model S. If money isn’t an issue, why not start with the tri-motor Model S Plaid for a supercar-like experience?

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Author:
Suhail Ajmal
Suhail Ajmal
As an automotive writer with a finger on the industry's pulse, I explore the latest trends, dissect cutting-edge technologies, and unearth the history that shapes the vehicles we love. From reviews that delve into the driving experience to insightful commentary on industry developments, my goal is to inform, entertain, and spark the passion that drives us all. Check out my new blog Motorsadvice.com.