Test drove a Tesla Model 3 Performance today... Wow

cole1186 · 08-09-2021, 03:59 AM

So I own an m340i right now and have a 22' g80 xdrive on the way (due in about 2 months)... Just for fun I wanted to see what all the fuss was about so I set up a test drive for a new Tesla Model 3 Performance. I had 30 min with the car so me and my girl both took it for a drive.

My first general impression compared to my m340i was damm that car was quick. The second you hit the gas it just explodes forward, throwing you back in your seat. Here's what I noticed though.. it seemed to take longer getting up to 100 compared to my m340i. I'm curious to see how much faster my new g80 xdrive is since it has similar 0-60 times as the m3p.

The other thing we both noticed was how wobbly and squirrelly the Tesla was. We're used to being in the solid, stable and hefty feeling BMW... The cornering is tight and you stay planted when making a sharp turn. The Tesla... Not so much. We were sliding all over the place when making turns at higher speeds (50+). It just felt lose. The best way to describe it's handling was when it was my girls turn to drive and I kept telling her to gun it. She did, reluctantly... I asked her why she didn't want to put the pedal to the floor.. And she simply said "it doesn't feel safe".

I agreed. It's strange, for all that acceleration the car didn't feel stable. It was all over the place. The car was basically shaking when hitting high speeds and was wobbling all over the road. Not to mention all the road noises. You can really hear the wind blowing over the car.. it literally sounded like a window was open when going 100mph+.

I have to admit the car was fun as hell to drive, it was damn fast when you pushed down the pedal. But the handling felt cheap and down right dangerous at high speeds. It didn't feel like my BMW (though I do admit it did feel quicker). I won't even mention the interior aside that it was very futuristic but felt tacky. I expect the model S plaid to be leaps and bounds superior in that department.

Speaking of the model S plaid, has anyone driven one and does it feel more like a BMW in terms of handling and stability? I'm thinking about getting one in a few years but don't want the ride to feel like that model 3 (aside from the acceleration which was nuts)...

Also, seeing that my new g80 xdrive will have the same 0-60 time does that mean it's going to have the same acceleration feel as the Tesla?

LuvMyE92 · 08-09-2021, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cole1186

... The car was basically shaking when hitting high speeds and was wobbling all over the road. Not to mention all the road noises. You can really hear the wind blowing over the car.. it literally sounded like a window was open when going 100mph+.

Do a Google search on "Tesla quality control". The car probably needs a proper alignment, panels fitted and windows adjusted.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cole1186

I won't even mention the interior aside that it was very futuristic but felt tacky. I expect the model S plaid to be leaps and bounds superior in that department.

I've driven both, although not in plaid, and the S is a heavier, more stable and a bit more comfortable. But the interior is still sub-par for what the car costs, and especially against what we are all used to with our BMWs.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cole1186

Also, seeing that my new g80 xdrive will have the same 0-60 time does that mean it's going to have the same acceleration feel as the Tesla?

No. The G80 will scream and have fabulous intake and exhaust noises, and the shifts will be noticeable if you put it in sport mode. The Tesla is a silent rollercoaster that just pushes you back in the seat and keeps you there.

The performance of the Teslas is quite impressive, but I suspect that most of us "car guys" and "car gals" will find it lacking. For me, it was the lack of interior quality, the range anxiety and that stupid distracting iPad in the middle of the dash that has kept me away.

And the build quality, or lack thereof. And those ugly wheels.

AndroidRobot · 08-09-2021, 09:12 AM

I've driven a few Tesla's and that's about how I felt. Most electric cars (Mustang Mach-E, Tesla, Audi e-Tron) have that quick feeling due to the instant torque. Once you get past the initial rush, they're all slower. Only the Audi e-Tron GT/RS and Porsche Taycan have a second gear once you hit 60 so you don't lose the high end power. I wasn't really impressed with Tesla's road feel either but the acceleration is a blast

nearwater4me · 08-09-2021, 09:25 AM

It’s a fast car off the line, no doubt.
And the ADAS is on another level. I consider it a very well-made appliance.
Sound insulation is relatively worse compared to BMWs, however.
The wind buffeting noise is just absurd, it almost sounds like the car has poor seal around the window and pillars.
Would I buy one for daily commute? Yes.
Would I replace a BMW for one? Absolutely not.

merlin3008 · 08-09-2021, 09:50 AM

My wife and I just got a Tesla Model Y. I'm not going to lie, I love driving it. Here is the thing though. It's really hard to compare to anything with an ICE. It's just different. t's like comparing the nicest SUV with the nicest sports sedan or roadster. They are all great, but they are trying to do different things. All I know is that our Tesla regularly puts a smile on my face.

MTM3 · 08-09-2021, 11:35 AM

You're lost in a forest if you're posting Tesla test drive impressions on M3 forum

It's like posting microwave test results in BBQ Grill forum

cole1186 · 08-09-2021, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MTM3

You're lost in a forest if you're posting Tesla test drive impressions on M3 forum

It's like posting microwave test results in BBQ Grill forum

Lol. I'm just trying to gauge people's honest opinions comparing the two. I'm seriously considering getting a model S plaid along with my m3...

I see what you're saying though, the quality felt leaps and bounds better in my BMW. But how can you hate on that acceleration.. it's absolutely awesome to experience.

MTM3 · 08-09-2021, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cole1186

Lol. I'm just trying to gauge people's honest opinions comparing the two. I'm seriously considering getting a model S plaid along with my m3...

I see what you're saying though, the quality felt leaps and bounds better in my BMW. But how can you hate on that acceleration.. it's absolutely awesome to experience.

It's just such uninvolved delivery of heat/speed it's boring.
Subway accelerates really fast but I don't get a hard on from that

JTO24 · 08-09-2021, 01:48 PM

I had a solo test drive of 30 mins in an M3P and enjoyed it... love the one foot driving. Would I add one to my garage? Absolutely; but I'd need a fun, ICE car to go with it like an e9x M3 or 996/997 911. I couldn't have it be my only car... I'd consider getting one for the wife, though.

NightWriter · 08-09-2021, 02:27 PM

I don't care how fast those golf carts are. I refuse to be an uncompensated member of an outsourced beta testing program

One Road Fork In Yosemite Seems To Have Caused Multiple Tesla Autopilot Wrecks

Plus the dash looks like an amateur science experiment.

BGM-M3COMP · 08-09-2021, 05:46 PM

A tesla M3P will do the 1/4 in 11.5 @117. Those are M3/M4 comp numbers.

It'll out accelerate the M3/M4 to 60 too.

There might be a slight power decrease depending on the SOC (state of charge) however there are many youtubers to prove that theory wrong where 1 guy literally did 8 runs 0-60 back to back to back. He started i believe with 50% SOC and ended with 38% or so. So i'm sure the batteries were on the verge of overheating.

He still managed 3.2-3.3 on every single one of those 8 runs.

Tesla introduced the 4680 battery cell like last year. I'll be getting a model Y dual motor probably in a year.

jimbethesda · 08-09-2021, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cole1186

The second you hit the gas it just explodes forward, throwing you back in your seat.

I thought Teslas were electric.

I’m fascinated by terms/expressions that are based on old technology but that people still say. I expect a lot of people will call the right/accelerator pedal the gas pedal even in electric cars.

Some other terms based on old tech:

Dial their number
Roll down the window
Turn the volume up
Did you call the Uber yet?
Full steam ahead

Anybody have any other ones?

Yeah, I know this is off-topic, but I’m bored waiting for a G83 allocation.

BGM-M3COMP · 08-09-2021, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cole1186

Lol. I'm just trying to gauge people's honest opinions comparing the two. I'm seriously considering getting a model S plaid along with my m3...

I see what you're saying though, the quality felt leaps and bounds better in my BMW. But how can you hate on that acceleration.. it's absolutely awesome to experience.

I'm actually debating on dropping out of the C8 z06 waiting list to get a plaid.

The only reason why i wanna stay with the new z06 is because this is chevy's first "supercar" in my opinion. People can now experience what a ferrari is, without spending ferrari money. I'm curious to see how GM will do this. Plus i'm in line to get a first year z06 so even if i don't like it, i can literally put like 5000 miles on it and flip it and make like 50k lol.

But cars like the plaid are the future. The plaid is awesome. Factory car that traps 155?? Seriously?? NOTHING is touching that.

MTM3 · 08-09-2021, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BGM-M3COMP

A tesla M3P will do the 1/4 in 11.5 @117. Those are M3/M4 comp numbers.

It'll out accelerate the M3/M4 to 60 too.

There might be a slight power decrease depending on the SOC (state of charge) however there are many youtubers to prove that theory wrong where 1 guy literally did 8 runs 0-60 back to back to back. He started i believe with 50% SOC and ended with 38% or so. So i'm sure the batteries were on the verge of overheating.

He still managed 3.2-3.3 on every single one of those 8 runs.

Tesla introduced the 4680 battery cell like last year. I'll be getting a model Y dual motor probably in a year.

Yawn. My microwave boils a bowl of soup in 12 seconds

BGM-M3COMP · 08-09-2021, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MTM3

Yawn. My microwave boils a bowl of soup in 12 seconds

What brand microwave? Cause mine takes like 3 minutes. But then again it's like 4 years old.

We'll all be yawning come 2035 though

bri1042 · 08-09-2021, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BGM-M3COMP

What brand microwave? Cause mine takes like 3 minutes. But then again it's like 4 years old.

We'll all be yawning come 2035 though

Also, you could be using lower-octane soup. Makes a difference. I boil my soup in the new Michelin Pilot Sport 5S soup bowls....heats more evenly than the old Super Sport bowls, and without the bad after-taste that you get with Pirelli bowls.

cole1186 · 08-09-2021, 11:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MTM3

Yawn. My microwave boils a bowl of soup in 12 seconds

I'm curious why you think the model s Plaid is so boring?

First of all look at that interior... it looks like something from minority report lol. This is much nicer then the Model 3.

And I was just talking to a buddy today who just got one (might be letting me try it next week).. and he claims that all the issues I had with the model 3 was because I was in comfort mode and that the model s plaid he has handles very well and is very stable. That power and acceleration it has is straight up fun. I don't see any reason why it would be boring?

pikcachu · 08-09-2021, 11:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cole1186

Lol. I'm just trying to gauge people's honest opinions comparing the two. I'm seriously considering getting a model S plaid along with my m3...

I see what you're saying though, the quality felt leaps and bounds better in my BMW. But how can you hate on that acceleration.. it's absolutely awesome to experience.

I test drove the M3P and it was a blast.... acceleration was stupid... and handling was great... i didn't experience any wobbling or shaking... maybe alignment/balancing issue ? I really didn't miss any in terms of handling compared with my M235 and I also have M3 LCA's

but now that Plaid is out... I want that..... 1/4 in 9.2secs.... specially now that some tracks around here are planning to install Superchargers at the track... you could embarrass a bunch of 911s

Wish they made a M3Plaid.... something lighter than the Model S but with 3 motors...

BEAR-AvHistory · 08-09-2021, 11:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cole1186

I'm curious why you think the model s Plaid is so boring?

First of all look at that interior... it looks like something from minority report lol. This is much nicer then the Model 3.

And I was just talking to a buddy today who just got one (might be letting me try it next week).. and he claims that all the issues I had with the model 3 was because I was in comfort mode and that the model s plaid he has handles very well and is very stable. That power and acceleration it has is straight up fun. I don't see any reason why it would be boring?

Looks like an economy car they forgot to put the gauges in.

02M3ForMe · 08-10-2021, 12:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MTM3

It's like posting microwave test results in BBQ Grill forum

I'd like to acknowledge the perfection of this analogy.

bavarianride · 08-10-2021, 12:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BEAR-AvHistory

Looks like an economy car they forgot to put the gauges in.

I like analog gauges, and luckily my 330i gets them!

NoClosedDoors · 08-10-2021, 01:05 AM

Model 3 performance is a fine car but is severely unrefined out of the box in the handling department -- The original LR RWD and to a lesser extent, the SR+ are more balanced. Even a newer Model X (Raven) will outhandle it on a twisty road despite weighing 2,000lb more because of the adaptive suspension.

Throw some suspension mods and lightweight wheels at it and it's a monster though.

08-09-2021, 03:59 AM	#1
cole1186 Second Lieutenant 204 Rep 202 Posts Drives: 2021 M340i Join Date: Jun 2021 Location: FL iTrader: (0)	Test drove a Tesla Model 3 Performance today... Wow So I own an m340i right now and have a 22' g80 xdrive on the way (due in about 2 months)... Just for fun I wanted to see what all the fuss was about so I set up a test drive for a new Tesla Model 3 Performance. I had 30 min with the car so me and my girl both took it for a drive. My first general impression compared to my m340i was damm that car was quick. The second you hit the gas it just explodes forward, throwing you back in your seat. Here's what I noticed though.. it seemed to take longer getting up to 100 compared to my m340i. I'm curious to see how much faster my new g80 xdrive is since it has similar 0-60 times as the m3p. The other thing we both noticed was how wobbly and squirrelly the Tesla was. We're used to being in the solid, stable and hefty feeling BMW... The cornering is tight and you stay planted when making a sharp turn. The Tesla... Not so much. We were sliding all over the place when making turns at higher speeds (50+). It just felt lose. The best way to describe it's handling was when it was my girls turn to drive and I kept telling her to gun it. She did, reluctantly... I asked her why she didn't want to put the pedal to the floor.. And she simply said "it doesn't feel safe". I agreed. It's strange, for all that acceleration the car didn't feel stable. It was all over the place. The car was basically shaking when hitting high speeds and was wobbling all over the road. Not to mention all the road noises. You can really hear the wind blowing over the car.. it literally sounded like a window was open when going 100mph+. I have to admit the car was fun as hell to drive, it was damn fast when you pushed down the pedal. But the handling felt cheap and down right dangerous at high speeds. It didn't feel like my BMW (though I do admit it did feel quicker). I won't even mention the interior aside that it was very futuristic but felt tacky. I expect the model S plaid to be leaps and bounds superior in that department. Speaking of the model S plaid, has anyone driven one and does it feel more like a BMW in terms of handling and stability? I'm thinking about getting one in a few years but don't want the ride to feel like that model 3 (aside from the acceleration which was nuts)... Also, seeing that my new g80 xdrive will have the same 0-60 time does that mean it's going to have the same acceleration feel as the Tesla?
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08-09-2021, 09:12 AM	#3
AndroidRobot Major General 4353 Rep 6,118 Posts Drives: 2022 Porsche Boxster GTS Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Houston, TX iTrader: (0) Garage List [0.00] 2022 Porsche Boxste ... [0.00]	I've driven a few Tesla's and that's about how I felt. Most electric cars (Mustang Mach-E, Tesla, Audi e-Tron) have that quick feeling due to the instant torque. Once you get past the initial rush, they're all slower. Only the Audi e-Tron GT/RS and Porsche Taycan have a second gear once you hit 60 so you don't lose the high end power. I wasn't really impressed with Tesla's road feel either but the acceleration is a blast __________________ 2022 Porsche Boxster GTS Gentian Blue 2023 Porsche Spyder Python Green (on order) 2022 BMW M3 Comp AWD IOMG/Kyalami Orange (SOLD) 2018 BMW M2 Mineral Grey(SOLD) 2019 BMW X5 50i Carbon Black/Tartufo (SOLD)
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08-09-2021, 09:25 AM	#4
nearwater4me Colonel 2054 Rep 2,241 Posts Drives: '22 G82 Base Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: GA iTrader: (1)	It’s a fast car off the line, no doubt. And the ADAS is on another level. I consider it a very well-made appliance. Sound insulation is relatively worse compared to BMWs, however. The wind buffeting noise is just absurd, it almost sounds like the car has poor seal around the window and pillars. Would I buy one for daily commute? Yes. Would I replace a BMW for one? Absolutely not.
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08-09-2021, 09:50 AM	#5
merlin3008 Captain 938 Rep 905 Posts Drives: 2025 M3 Comp xDrive Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Chicago, IL iTrader: (0)	My wife and I just got a Tesla Model Y. I'm not going to lie, I love driving it. Here is the thing though. It's really hard to compare to anything with an ICE. It's just different. t's like comparing the nicest SUV with the nicest sports sedan or roadster. They are all great, but they are trying to do different things. All I know is that our Tesla regularly puts a smile on my face. __________________ 2025 M3 xDrive, Dravit Gray over Kyalami Orange (on the way) 2022 M3 xDrive, Brooklyn Grey over Tartufo (SOLD) 2021 Tesla Model Y 2019 MB AMG C43 (Sold) 2016 M235i xdrive, Alpine White, Terra Leather, Orbit Gray Wheels (Sold)
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08-09-2021, 11:35 AM	#6
MTM3 mt4life 644 Rep 420 Posts Drives: G80 6MT Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Charlotte, NC iTrader: (0)	You're lost in a forest if you're posting Tesla test drive impressions on M3 forum It's like posting microwave test results in BBQ Grill forum __________________ Past Cars: e46 M3 6MT, e90 M3 6MT, f80 M3 6MT Current Car: g80 M3 6MT
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08-09-2021, 01:48 PM	#9
JTO24 never could compete with Lloyd Braun 5790 Rep 5,568 Posts Drives: 2022 G80 M3 6MT Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: South Jersey iTrader: (8)	I had a solo test drive of 30 mins in an M3P and enjoyed it... love the one foot driving. Would I add one to my garage? Absolutely; but I'd need a fun, ICE car to go with it like an e9x M3 or 996/997 911. I couldn't have it be my only car... I'd consider getting one for the wife, though. __________________ Current: 2025 G80 M3 \| Boston Green \| Tartufo Former: 2022 G80 M3 6MT SG \| KO, 2018 F87 M2 6MT \| AW, 2016 981 Cayman 6MT \| JB, 2015 F80 M3 DCT \| TZB \| GB, 2013 E92 M3 6MT \| MW \| FRB
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08-09-2021, 02:27 PM	#10
NightWriter Colonel 4861 Rep 2,744 Posts Drives: G80 M3 Pure Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Maryland iTrader: (0)	I don't care how fast those golf carts are. I refuse to be an uncompensated member of an outsourced beta testing program One Road Fork In Yosemite Seems To Have Caused Multiple Tesla Autopilot Wrecks Plus the dash looks like an amateur science experiment. __________________
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08-09-2021, 05:46 PM	#11
BGM-M3COMP The Ben Shapiro of this place. I never lose! LOL 2331 Rep 3,021 Posts Drives: 12 plaids on order Join Date: Aug 2021 Location: Tesla Land iTrader: (0) Garage List 2022 BMW M3 COMP [0.00]	A tesla M3P will do the 1/4 in 11.5 @117. Those are M3/M4 comp numbers. It'll out accelerate the M3/M4 to 60 too. There might be a slight power decrease depending on the SOC (state of charge) however there are many youtubers to prove that theory wrong where 1 guy literally did 8 runs 0-60 back to back to back. He started i believe with 50% SOC and ended with 38% or so. So i'm sure the batteries were on the verge of overheating. He still managed 3.2-3.3 on every single one of those 8 runs. Tesla introduced the 4680 battery cell like last year. I'll be getting a model Y dual motor probably in a year.
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08-10-2021, 01:05 AM	#22
NoClosedDoors Metal Mover 115 Rep 240 Posts Drives: Demo Car Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: Tejas iTrader: (0) Garage List 2020 Tesla Model Y AWD [0.00] 2019 BMW X5 X40i [0.00]	Model 3 performance is a fine car but is severely unrefined out of the box in the handling department -- The original LR RWD and to a lesser extent, the SR+ are more balanced. Even a newer Model X (Raven) will outhandle it on a twisty road despite weighing 2,000lb more because of the adaptive suspension. Throw some suspension mods and lightweight wheels at it and it's a monster though.
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