Tesla Model S Plaid vs. Tesla Model 3 Performance
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Tesla Model S Plaid and Tesla Model 3 Performance contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Tesla Model S Plaid and the Tesla Model 3 Performance.
When comparing the Tesla Model S Plaid's and the Tesla Model 3 Performance's specifications and ratings, the Tesla Model S Plaid has the advantage in the area of base engine power. The Tesla Model 3 Performance has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and resale value. Based on this comparison of the Tesla Model S Plaid's and the Tesla Model 3 Performance's specifications and ratings, the Tesla Model 3 Performance is a better car than the Tesla Model S Plaid.
Pricing: A used 2025 Tesla Model S Plaid ranges from $64,500 to $90,748 while a used 2025 Tesla Model 3 Performance is priced between $38,041 to $49,998.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Tesla Model S Plaid loses 65.1 percent of its value and the Tesla Model 3 Performance loses 57 percent of its value. This means the Tesla Model 3 Performance retains 8.1 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Tesla Model S Plaid.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Tesla Model S Plaid’s base engine makes 1020 horsepower, and the Tesla Model 3 Performance base engine makes 510 horsepower. The Plaid is rated to deliver an average of 108 miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent (MPGe), with a highway range of 348 miles. The Performance is rated to deliver an average of 113 miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent (MPGe), with a highway range of 303 miles.This gives the Tesla Model 3 Performance the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Tesla Model S Plaid the advantage in maximum range. Both models use electricity. The charge time for the Plaid is 14 hours (240V), while the charge time for the Performance is 10 hours (240V).
Safety Ratings: The Tesla Model 3 Performance has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
94990
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Electric Large Cars)
145898
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Electric Large Cars)
79990 - 340000
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
54990
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
53363
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
42490 - 64800
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
82883
Price Range:
64500 - 90748
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Electric Large Cars)
107806
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Electric Large Cars)
79022 - 127781
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
45737
Price Range:
38041 - 49998
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
49176
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
38037 - 60314
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
Depreciation %:
Resale Value $:
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Electric Large Cars)
0.59259308
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Electric Large Cars)
0.5924518 - 0.66450392
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
31716
Depreciation %:
0.57676273
Resale Value $:
23274
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
0.57677703
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
0.57676273 - 0.68367001
Tesla Model S Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.5 / 10
Reliability:
8.2 / 10
Retained Value:
6.8 / 10
Safety:
Not available
Tesla Model 3 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
7.3 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Tesla Model S Plaid
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
16.3
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.191
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Tesla Model 3 Performance
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
154.36318137929226
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Electric Large Cars)
6.9
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Electric Large Cars)
1.8 - 154.4
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
167.42938742975846
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
6.8
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
6.4 - 167.4
Tesla Model S Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 30Ranking
1 out of / 30Ranking
1 out of / 30Ranking
1 out of / 22Ranking
1 out of / 22Ranking
1 out of / 22Ranking
1 out of / 4Ranking
1 out of / 4Ranking
2 out of / 22Ranking
3 out of / 22Ranking
4 out of / 30Ranking
6 out of / 22Ranking
7 out of / 22Ranking
8 out of / 22Ranking
9 out of / 22Ranking
10 out of / 30Ranking
10 out of / 21Ranking
13 out of / 30Ranking
13 out of / 30Ranking
14 out of / 30Ranking
16 out of / 27Tesla Model 3 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 21Ranking
3 out of / 30Ranking
3 out of / 22Ranking
4 out of / 22Ranking
4 out of / 22Ranking
4 out of / 22Ranking
5 out of / 27Ranking
6 out of / 30Ranking
6 out of / 30Ranking
7 out of / 30Ranking
11 out of / 22Ranking
16 out of / 30Ranking
17 out of / 22Ranking
18 out of / 30Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Electric
Available Drivetrain Options
Electric
Other Tesla Model S Trim Levels
Base
Other Tesla Model 3 Trim Levels
Long Range
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
8 years / 150000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
8 years / 120000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years / 50000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
1020 hp
Torque:
1050 foot-lbs
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.214 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
510 hp
Torque:
547 foot-lbs
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.126 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
MPGe:
108 / 99 / 104
Range (city/hwy):
348 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Electricity
Battery Size/Capacity :
100 kWh
Maximum Charging Rate:
14 hours (240V)
Engine Specifications
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
MPGe:
113 / 104 / 109
Range (city/hwy):
303 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Electricity
Battery Size/Capacity:
82 kWh
Maximum Charging Rate:
10 hours (240V)
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Air Suspension:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Air Suspension:
N/A
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.4 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.1 inches
Cargo Space:
28.2 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
120.3 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.7 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.7 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.8 inches
Rear Leg Room:
34.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54.2 inches
Cargo Space:
24.1 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4776 lbs
Width:
86.2 inches
Height:
56.3 inches
Length:
197.7 inches
Wheelbase:
116.5 inches
Ground Clearance:
5 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4054 lbs
Width:
82.2 inches
Height:
56.3 inches
Length:
185.9 inches
Wheelbase:
113.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
5 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
19.0 x 9.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
255/45R19
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
20.0 x 9.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/35R20
