USA vs USA — 2017 vs 2021
| Model 3 Performance | Model S Plaid | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 450 hp | 1,020 hp |
| Torque | 471 lb-ft | 1,050 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 3.1 sec | 2.0 sec |
| Top Speed | 162 mph | 200 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 11.6 sec | 9.2 sec |
| Weight | 4,072 lbs | 4,766 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,875 mm | 2,960 mm |
| Length | 4,694 mm | 4,970 mm |
| Original MSRP | $52,990 | $129,990 |
| Value (Excellent) | $45,000 | $100,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 5/10 |
| Rarity | 2/10 | 3/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 2017 Tesla Model 3 Performance brings lighter weight, better value to the table, and the 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid answers with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
Few model names carry as much weight as the Tesla Model 3. The 2017 and 2021 iterations represent different chapters in this storied nameplate's history, each reflecting the priorities and technologies of its era. The 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid holds a clear advantage in raw power with 1020 hp compared to 450 hp, a 570-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. The engine configurations differ significantly — a Dual Electric Motor in the Tesla Model 3 versus a Tri-Motor Electric (Carbon-Sleeved Rear Motor) in the Tesla Model S. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid edges ahead at 2.0 seconds versus 3.1 seconds. The Tesla Model 3 carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 694 lbs lighter. On the collector market, the 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid commands a significant premium over the 2017 Tesla Model 3 Performance, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.