USA vs USA — 2008 vs 2017
| Roadster Sport | Model 3 Performance | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 288 hp | 450 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 471 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 0 cc | — |
| 0-60 mph | 3.7 sec | 3.1 sec |
| Top Speed | 125 mph | 162 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 12.6 sec | 11.6 sec |
| Weight | — | 4,072 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,352 mm | 2,875 mm |
| Length | 3,946 mm | 4,694 mm |
| Units Produced | 2,450 | — |
| Original MSRP | — | $52,990 |
| Value (Excellent) | $150,000 | $45,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 5/10 |
| Rarity | 8/10 | 2/10 |
The 2017 Tesla Model 3 Performance emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 2008 Tesla Roadster Sport counters with its unique character, but the numbers favor its rival. Still, both are remarkable machines, and the final choice often comes down to which driving experience speaks to you.
The 2008 Tesla Roadster Sport and 2017 Tesla Model 3 Performance share a manufacturer in Tesla, but that's where the similarities get interesting. These two models reveal the versatility and ambition of the Tesla brand. The 2017 Tesla Model 3 Performance holds a clear advantage in raw power with 450 hp compared to 288 hp, a 162-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. The engine configurations differ significantly — a AC Induction Electric Motor in the Tesla Roadster versus a Dual Electric Motor in the Tesla Model 3. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 2017 Tesla Model 3 Performance edges ahead at 3.1 seconds versus 3.7 seconds. On the collector market, the 2008 Tesla Roadster Sport commands a significant premium over the 2017 Tesla Model 3 Performance, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.