Tesla Model 3 vs. Tesla Model S: which is better?
Looking for your next Tesla? Both the Model 3 and Model S are great options – but which is for you?
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Tesla is the most competitive electric car brand in the world. It may only make a handful of models but these have gone on to dominate the space.
The Model 3 and Model S are two of its most popular models, and sit in the large hatchback and saloon segments respectively.
These offer fully electric driving and vast amounts of interior tech – but which is best for you?
Styling
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From the outside, these two futuristic-looking EVs don’t look all that different.
You may wonder why they appear to slightly resemble bars of soap, but that’s for a very good reason – to improve the aerodynamics and create a low drag coefficient.
This makes it more streamlined when driving through the air, which in turn increases range.
The Tesla Model 3 is smaller and around the same size as an Audi A3 or A4, but its proportions are still solid, whereas the larger Model S is more comparable to the Volvo S60.
The latest facelift for the Model 3 has given it sharper, narrower headlights, and if you want to distinguish a Model S from the lineup, it’s the only Tesla with a front grille – albeit a very small one.
What are they like to drive?
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Like all electric cars, the Model 3 and Model S are quick. Really quick.
Thanks to the instant torque you get from the Tesla's onboard battery and electric motors, you can zoom from 0-62mph in less than 2.5 seconds. That’s Bugatti Chiron territory.
Both of these family cars are very easy to live with, whether you’re driving around town or going on longer motorway journeys.
The Model 3 can get up to 374 miles of range, while the Model S can travel up to 394 miles on a single charge.
You also benefit from self-driving capabilities, which take the strain off motorway slogs because the car can take the wheel and use an advanced adaptive cruise control system to do all the heavy lifting.
You can also use this off the motorway, but Tesla’s full Autopilot software hasn't made it to the UK yet.
Interior and technology
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When you sit inside any Tesla model, the first thing you’ll notice is how sparse they appear.
This is because there’s simply a large screen in the centre and not much else, but this is one of the best in the business.
From this screen, you can control all the car’s functions, from music and maps to air-conditioning and even the glovebox.
Tesla has done this to keep things cleaner in the cabin, but it doesn’t come without its annoyances.
The main one is having to menu-dive while driving to access some basic functions.
In older cars, you simply feel your way around the dashboard, but not with a Tesla.
On the plus side, it’s nice to have everything in one place.
Both models get insane levels of onboard tech, from Dog Mode – to keep your pet cool in the car – and Netflix to a karaoke system and Sentry Mode, which uses the exterior cameras to look out for any potential thieves and/or hit-and-runs.
Boot space and practicality
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The main differences between these two cars become apparent as you move onto boot space and practicality.
Both cars are spacious, but one is the clear winner if you need the most room.
Tesla’s Model 3 is the smaller of the two, though it still packs a punch, with a 425-litre boot and plenty of front and rear space.
Taller passengers may struggle in the rear seats, however, because of the low roofline and less legroom.
Opt for the Model S and you get a 745-litre boot and much more interior space, making it more comparable to a BMW 5 Series instead of the Model 3’s 3 Series-like space.
Safety and reliability
Two of the most important factors we all consider when buying a new car are how safe it is and how reliable it is.
Being EVs, they're less likely to go wrong than a traditional internal combustion engine car because there are fewer moving parts to fail.
This is one of the main benefits of driving an electric car.
On the safety front, both cars scored a full five-star rating following their most recent crash testing, which is testament to Tesla’s strong build and safety features such as automatic emergency braking and a whole host of airbags.
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Size and dimensions
Tesla Model 3
Length: 4,694mm
Width: 1,850mm
Height: 1,443mm
Boot space: 425 litres
Tesla Model S
Length: 4,970mm
Width: 1,964mm
Height: 1,445mm
Boot space: 745 litres
Verdict: Tesla Model 3 vs. Tesla Model S: which should you buy?
If you’ve read our full comparison but are still struggling to decide which Tesla model is best for you, our short verdict might help guide you in the right direction.
We’d recommend the Tesla Model 3 for someone living in a city. It’s small enough that it’s easy to park but it isn’t too small that there’s no space inside.
It’s also easy to charge and can cope well with the potholed roads of major cities.
Plus, it’s cheaper than its larger, more powerful Model S relative.
As for the Model S, you’re best off buying one of these if you have a larger family or appreciate a ridiculously quick car.
That’s not to say it’s as fun as a Lotus behind the wheel, but it does offer rapid acceleration (up to the legal speed limit) that’ll blow your socks off.
But no matter which you choose, you’re getting a solid electric car that’s reliable, safe, and a real looker.