Anyone driven a model 3 yet?
 

How does it compare?

I got lucky and have a friend who rents the entire Tesla line as a business.

Before I ever got in a tesla I was 100% convinced that I had no desire to even try battery tech. After having driven everything from a base model 3 to the model x in ludicrous mode, I'm really hoping that more manufacturers of battery vehicles can catch up to the conveniences of Tesla. They might not have 100% fit and finish down but good lord are they fun cars to drive.

I will say if you haven't driven one, you definitely should. Start and the 3 then try the S and then the X. I went the other way and by the time I got to the 3, I felt like I was in a peasant model LOL


It's easy to see why people are hooked on tesla once you've driven one and used the card key and the auto keys and played with the model x's auto opening doors. :thumbup:


I took plenty of pictures while driving them around Tampa and Vegas lol




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I'm looking that up next time I go for sure.

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

awesome pics. How would you say the model 3 compares fun wise to the FRS/BRZ?

I've only had the 86 for 27 days but I'm not sure many cars can compare to the feel you get from the toyobaru suspension. The model 3 is a non-airbagged tesla but it definitely doesn't have the same type of chassis dynamics. For people who just want to go fast in a straight line (or drive on the highway with no hands, it's so good), I think the model 3 will give them their fix. Weight wise, even though the batteries are below you for center of gravity, it still feels like a pig when driving.

It's not built to be a sports car and I think people only make that comparison because of the instant torque. Personally, handling wise, it's not on the same level as a stock 86.

(All my opinion of course!)

Sound is the key. What makes the twins so great is high rpm sound without killing yourself on local roads. Most car enthusiasts enjoy that sound. I drive my WRX and literally can’t get to high rpms on local roads without serious irresponsible speeds. So I go faster with my WRX but the BRZ is more fun and a more engaging experience. Once you get over the instant torque, the model 3 is just a comfortable sedan. Don’t get me wrong they are fun and if you have a stressful commute they could do a lot to make it better (quiet and comfortable). For me I want both. For a leisure weekend trip with the family the Tesla does it best other than distance limits. But for a car guy you need handling, which the Twins have. Look up some of the hot rod guys putting Tesla motors in vintage sports cars. Still give up sound but I would love one of them. Instant torque is fun.

I watched that Top Gear clip of Chris Harris flogging a Model 3 on the track against an Alfa Giulia Quadrifoglio, some kind of AMG, maybe an M BMW, and although it did beat them all, I could see it was all solely down to that immense ability to squirt quickly out of corners once the nose was pointing straight. The act of cornering itself in a Model 3 just looked like something doing what it wasn't designed to do. It looked awkward and aloof. I suspect the straight line rush is the only trick for that pony, and to be honest, reading your review of it, there isn't a single thing I liked on that list of perks and features. I would be super embarrassed to open the gullwing doors on the X. It's a minivan looking thing with gullwing doors....Imagine putting lambo doors on a Chrysler Pacifica. The Model S is a properly good-looking car and apparently it handles well. The Porsche Taycan looks good and handles even better plus it's designed by the existing automotive establishment, which creates a sense of familiarity. I wouldn't mind getting an EV to go around town and to work, to be honest. But so far there are no good looking ones available that are affordable (and yes, that includes the Model 3), and all good looking ones are too expensive.

Don't let Elon catch you calling them anything but "Falcon Doors" lol. If you follow rich rebuilds (on YT), you can see all of the weird quirks (and features) of the Teslas that make them both lovable and hate-able.

I'm looking at a Model 3 LR in the future for commuting only. It's convenient for commuting and probably perfect for 95% of people. It's the car enthusiasts that it lacks everything for.

Put the Tesla motor in the BRZ, Miata, S2000, Rx7 or 8, Porsche 911, cayman, etc. you get the point. This is where EV makes sense for me as an enthusiast. A sedan or suv I would let my wife get that car. Obviously the more affordable they become then I would have at least one EV.

As far as track, it’s meaningless to me. I believe the EV race cars of the future will be unbeatable from a performance and time perspective. But I think many will still prefer the sound and engagement of the old combustion engine for those weekend mountain drives. But clearly there are less of us, so the market will dictate.

I unexpectedly had the chance to drive a friend's Model 3 today. I don't see how one could really compare it to a Twin because of how different the intended purpose and driving experience is.

First off, it's enjoyable to drive because of how smooth and effortless it felt. The torque off the line is unbelievable and will push you into the seat. I had to keep checking the speedometer and slowing down because of how completely effortlessly it got up to speed. It didn't make any ICE noises obviously, but it did make a pleasant futuristic whirring noise.

The off-throttle regen braking took some getting used to. It was the equivalent of moderate braking in a normal car and you can pretty much drive the car without the brakes. I often found myself stopping well before I intended to.

I didn't push the car in corners or anything because it's not that kind of car (and my friends not a car guy), but the ride felt about typical for the segment, maybe a shade firm.

The interior was also very different with all the gauges moved to the center screen. One benefit is that gives the car superb forward vosibility. I liked the interior as a whole. Kind of an upscale futuristic feel.

Would I replace my FR-S with one? No way. The Model 3 is not meant to be a lightweight sports car. But now having driven one, I wouldn't mind it as a family car because of how smooth, futuristic, and upscale it felt.

If you set the regen braking to max, it's like stepping on the brakes every time you come to a light 😂

And bingo on its purpose. It's going to make a great commuter in lots of garages but it can't replace the feel of the twins.

You enjoy that awful noise :iono:

Sounds like two garbage disposals knife fighting.

You ever been to a race, like nascar or the indie 500. I have and can tell you if they were silent it’s not as much fun to watch. Driving would still be fun, but something about a visceral sound just makes the experience. Not saying the twins have the best sound, but I know I need sound.

If I get a Taycan some day, I guess I will live with it.